Monza FC Confirms Alejandro Gómez's Positive Doping Test
Monza FC, from the Italian first division, confirmed through a statement that Alejandro Gómez, popularly known as 'Papu', tested positive in the anti-doping test carried out by the Spanish Commission in October 2022. Under this context, the Argentine midfielder has been punished with a 2-year suspension. What does this mean? Does Argentina risk having the World Cup taken away from them? This is known.
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Alejandro Gómez woke up with the news that he has been banned by FIFA for 2 years and will not be able to play football in any capacity. However, fans of this sport wonder if Argentina is at risk of losing the World Cup, considering that the test was conducted before the event in Qatar.
The answer, to the joy of the Albiceleste, is that the Qatar 2022 World Cup will not be removed from their record. In fact, FIFA's regulations are very clear in that regard:
Common provisions on sanctions against individuals
Disqualification of results
Automatic disqualification of individual awards
A doping rule violation in connection with an in-competition test automatically leads to the disqualification of any awards received by individual players in that match.
FIFA regulations on the 'Papu' Gómez case
In summary, Alejandro Gómez will be the one to assume the punishment if the sanction is ratified, and as a result, he will lose the medal from the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Everything will be resolved in the coming days and based on that, the player will have to analyze what happens with his sports career. A possible retirement is not ruled out.
What did 'Papu' Gómez say after testing positive?
In an interview with the newspaper Olé, 'Papu' Gómez stated that it was all a domestic accident because there was never any intention to try or take something illegal. He says he took a syrup, thinking it was honey and lemon, and not that it contained a prohibited drug (terbutaline). He adds that he has the purchase receipt for the medication and will provide all the necessary evidence.
On the other hand, the most dramatic part of his statements is that 'Papu' confirmed that he found out about the result just a few hours before the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. He even admitted that he informed Monza about this case before reaching an agreement.