Maradona, Pogba: Five Football Stars Banned for Doping

In the world of football, where glory and triumph often take center stage, the darker side occasionally emerges, casting shadows over celebrated players. One such recent incident involves the illustrious French midfielder, Paul Pogba, who, in August 2023, faced a formidable four-year ban from the Italian anti-doping tribunal after testing positive for testosterone. This suspension has left a significant impact, sidelining Pogba until the 2027–28 season when he will be 34.

Diego Maradona

15 Months Ban in 1991

Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest, faced a 15-month ban in March 1991. The Italian League’s disciplinary committee penalized him for using cocaine before a league game with SC Napoli against Bari. FIFA extended the ban globally, marking a significant chapter in Maradona’s controversial career.

1994 World Cup

In another instance, Maradona was sent home from the 1994 World Cup in the USA due to doping tests revealing ephedrine in his urine sample. This incident further stained his legacy, and he received a 15-month suspension.

READ ALSO: Ex Manchester United Star Paul Pogba Banned from Football for Four Years

Maradona’s tumultuous relationship with doping persisted. His third positive drug test in 1997 prompted retirement. Sadly, on November 25, 2020, Maradona passed away at 60, succumbing to a cardiac arrest in Buenos Aires.

Andre Onana

In 2021, UEFA banned Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for one year due to doping. Onana claimed he inadvertently took his wife’s medicine, leading to the presence of the banned diuretic furosemide in his urine. After an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban to nine months, emphasizing Onana’s lack of significant fault.

Andrian Mutu

2004 Suspension

Former Chelsea forward Andrian Mutu faced a seven-month suspension in 2004 after admitting to taking a banned substance. His troubles at Chelsea culminated in his sacking in October 2004.

2010 Ban

In 2010, while playing for Fiorentina, Mutu received a nine-month ban for failing two drug tests. The Italian Olympic Committee’s anti-doping tribunal attributed his positive results to the banned stimulant sibutramine. His mother, Rodica Mutu, took responsibility for his doping ban.

Samir Nasri

Former France star Samir Nasri encountered an 18-month ban in 2018 over an intravenous drip treatment at a Los Angeles clinic in 2016. Nasri’s ban, backdated to July 2017, concluded in January 2019. He claimed ignorance of the rules, asserting he sought treatment for illness, unaware of the potential ramifications.

Kolo Toure

In May 2011, while playing for Manchester City, Kolo Toure faced a six-month suspension for doping. Admitting to taking his wife’s diet pill, Toure underwent target testing for two years. A commission ruled that his actions were not to enhance sporting performance, and his ban was backed to March.

Doping scandals continue to punctuate the otherwise glorious careers of football stars. From the recent case of Paul Pogba to legends like Diego Maradona, Andre Onana, Andrian Mutu, Samir Nasri, and Kolo Toure, the sport has witnessed its share of controversies. These incidents serve as reminders of the need for stringent anti-doping measures to preserve the integrity of football.

Source: Vanguard News

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