Former Inter & Brazil forward Gabriel Barbosa suspended for two years in anti-doping case

Gabigol, the striker for Flamengo, has been accused of obstructing an anti-doping test prior to a game in the Rio de Janeiro state league. According to local media, he took the test after his teammates had already completed it.

The Brazilian Doping Control Authority has ruled that Gabigol violated the anti-doping rule of attempted fraud, resulting in a two-year ban starting from April 8, 2023.

However, Barbosa can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and Flamengo has expressed their surprise at the verdict and their intention to support the player in his appeal.

The club believes that there was no fraud or attempted fraud to warrant the punishment.

Barbosa, who joined Flamengo in 2020 from Inter Milan after a one-year loan, expressed his response on social media.

He emphasized that he has never attempted to obstruct or defraud any test and believes that he will be cleared by the higher court.

Throughout his football career, he has always followed the rules and never used banned substances, consistently testing negative in numerous tests.

Although disappointed with the judgement's outcome, he remains committed to cooperating with the sporting authorities and trusts that his innocence will be proven and re-established by the higher court.

Barbosa also has an impressive record representing Brazil, making his debut in May 2016 and playing 18 times for his country, scoring five goals.