Gabriel Barbosa, the celebrated forward for Flamengo and known widely as Gabigol, has been handed a two-year suspension following charges of attempted fraud during a doping test, as announced by a Brazilian sports tribunal.
The 27-year-old footballer reportedly showed resistance during an unannounced doping examination at the Flamengo club facilities in Rio de Janeiro.
The imposed sanction, subject to appeal, is retroactive to April 8 of the previous year, coinciding with the date of the incident.
Reports from local media suggest that Gabigol did not adhere to the testing schedule, exhibited a lack of respect towards the doping officials, and disregarded their directives.
The Full Court of Sports Anti-Doping, after convening on the matter, concluded by a majority that Gabigol had indeed breached anti-doping regulations pertaining to fraudulent behavior, as per a statement disseminated to AFP.
In response, Gabigol took to social media to defend himself, asserting his innocence and expressing confidence in being exonerated by a higher judicial authority.
Flamengo has publicly declared its support for Gabigol, pledging to aid in his legal appeal and firmly stating their belief in the absence of any fraudulent activity.
According to the charges, Gabigol neglected a request to participate in the doping test alongside his teammates in the morning, choosing instead to appear post-lunch.
His conduct upon arrival, particularly his reaction to being accompanied to the restroom by an official, and his non-compliance with the sample collection procedures, were also called into question.
Despite a challenging period with Benfica in Portugal and Inter Milan in Italy, Gabigol’s return to form at Flamengo has been notable, contributing significantly to the team’s triumphs in the domestic league and Copa Libertadores in 2019.
His performances reinstated his position in the Brazil national team, with his most recent of 18 caps occurring in January 2022.
Gabigol’s tenure with Flamengo is set to conclude this December, as his contract reaches its end.