FLAMENGO striker Gabriel Barbosa has been suspended for two-years for attempting to defraud a doping test.
According to local media, the 27-year-old ‘made it difficult’ to complete an anti-doping test the day before a game.
On a social media post, Barbosa wrote: “I have never attempted to obstruct or defraud any test, and I trust that I will be cleared by the higher court.
“Since the beginning of my career as a footballer, I have always followed the rules of the game and never used banned substances. I have been subjected to dozens of tests, all of which have always been negative.
“I am disappointed with the outcome of the judgement, but I will continue co-operating with the sporting authorities and trust that my innocence will be proven and re-established by the higher court.”
The two-year ban starts the date the violation took place, which was the 8th of April 2024.
This means that Barbosa will miss the entire season, which runs from April 14th to 8th December, but should be available for the 2025 campaign – bar no more issues.
The Brazilian Doping Control Authority said: “The aforementioned athlete was judged by the Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice and, by a majority vote, it was decided that a violation of the anti-doping rule of attempted fraud had occurred.”
Barbosa, known as ‘Gabigol’, started his career at Santos, before a short stint in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica, before returning back to his native country.
He has scored 175 goals in his career, including 5 goals for the national team.
