Gabriel Barbosa Almeida, known as Gabigol, a 27-year-old Brazilian striker for Flamengo, has been suspended for two years by a Brazilian sports court for attempted anti-doping fraud. This suspension was handed down on March 26, 2024, following an accusation that he made it difficult to carry out an anti-doping test the day before a game in the Rio de Janeiro state league.
The Brazilian Doping Control Authority (TJD-AD) found him guilty of violating the anti-doping rule of attempted fraud, and the suspension will count from the date of the violation, which occurred on April 8, 2023.
Barbosa, who signed for Flamengo in 2020 after completing a one-year loan from Inter Milan, vehemently denied the allegations.
Key FactsÂ
- Gabriel Barbosa Almeida, known as Gabigol, was suspended for two years for attempted anti-doping fraud.
- The suspension was due to allegations that he made it difficult to carry out an anti-doping test the day before a game.
- The Brazilian Doping Control Authority decided that a violation of the anti-doping rule of attempted fraud had occurred.
- Barbosa denies the allegations and has expressed his confidence in being cleared by the
He expressed his innocence and trust in being cleared by the higher court, stating that he has always followed the rules of the game and never used banned substances. He also mentioned that he has been subjected to dozens of tests, all of which have been negative.
Flamengo, the club Barbosa plays for, expressed surprise at the verdict and pledged to support the player in appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The club stated that it understands that there was no fraud, not even an attempt, to justify the punishment applied.
Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa suspended for two years in anti-doping case https://t.co/0LQKTAIkn7 pic.twitter.com/pfmUI19RdE
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 26, 2024
The suspension is significant as it coincides with the commencement of the Brazilian Serie A season on April 14, 2024, rendering Barbosa ineligible to participate for the entirety of the campaign. However, he is expected to be available for the commencement of the 2025 season.
Gabriel Barbosa, who has been a pivotal player for Flamengo, including scoring the winning goal in the 2022 Copa Libertadores final, now faces a significant challenge in clearing his name and restoring his reputation amidst these allegations.
