Brazilian forward Gabriel Barbosa received a two-year suspension on Monday after a doping investigation. The Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice in Brazil voted 5-4 to suspend Barbosa until April 2025.
Barbosa drew attention to himself by behaving strangely during a surprise drug test on April 8, 2023, one day before Flamengo’s match in the Rio de Janeiro state championship. He delayed his test for hours after his teammates were tested.
Barbosa’s lawyers argued that his more reliable blood test showed he was clean, and they claimed his behavior toward the officers didn’t mean he cheated on the test. “I want to emphasize that I never attempted to cheat or obstruct any test. I believe I will be cleared of any wrongdoing in my appeal,” Barbosa said on social media.
“Throughout my football career, I have always followed the rules and never used banned substances.
I have undergone numerous tests, all of which have been negative, demonstrating my commitment to my club and Brazilian fans.” Flamengo stated that there was no cheating or attempted cheating.
“The club was surprised by the decision and will support the player in his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the statement added.
Known as Gabigol, the 27-year-old Barbosa is in the final year of his contract with Flamengo. He gained national recognition with Flamengo after unsuccessful spells at Inter Milan and Benfica.
Barbosa was part of Brazil’s Olympic gold-winning team at the Rio Olympics in 2016. He returned to Santos in 2018 and became one of Brazil’s top scorers.
He joined Flamengo in 2019 and helped the team win two Copa Libertadores titles and two Brazilian league titles. However, he has been on the bench since former Brazil coach Tite took over at Flamengo last October.
