Brazilian international striker Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, has been banned from football for two years for attempting anti-doping fraud.
According to reports in Brazil, the 27-year-old frustrated officials by carrying out an anti-doping test the day before a game.
However, Gabigol denied the allegations and hoped to be cleared of any wrongdoing.
“I have never attempted to obstruct or defraud any test, and I trust that I will be cleared by the higher court,” he said in a post on X.
The Flamengo striker expressed his disappointment at the outcome while insisting he has never broken any rule in the game of football.
“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 judgment, but I will continue cooperating with the sporting authorities and trust that my innocence will be proven and re-established by the higher court.”
