Samir Nasri has been slapped with a six-month ban from football after breaching world and UEFA anti-doping rules. His suspension, confirmed by European football’s governing body on Tuesday, is related to treatment he took in LA over a year ago.
In December 26, 2016, the Frenchman received 500 milliliters of hydration in the form of sterile water containing micro nutrient components after reportedly feeling ill and vomiting. The drip treatment was administrated by private medical company Drip Doctors in his hotel room.
Samir Nasri suspended for six months for violation of Wada and Uefa anti-doping regs over drip treatment in LA in 2016, Uefa confirms. Can appeal.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 27, 2018
Uefa confirm that they have suspended Samir Nasri for six months for doping violations. Player can appeal.
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) February 27, 2018
After a picture of him with the company’s co-founder Jamila Sozahdah went public, it drew unwanted attention towards the former Man City ace. Later it was announced this is against the rules of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
There is a 50 milliliter infusion limit for every six hours for active athletes, which Nasri exceeded. Sevilla, his club at that time, requested an exemption for the player but was rejected on February 2017 by UEFA.
"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has rendered its decision following disciplinary proceedings opened on 6 March 2017 against the player Samir Nasri for violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations,” a statement read.
"The player Samir Nasri has been found guilty for using a prohibited method in accordance with sub-section M2, par. 2 of the WADA Prohibited List.
"In this context, the CEDB has decided to suspend Samir Nasri for six (6) months for violation of the World Anti-doping Code and the UEFA Anti-doping Regulations.”
Nasri has the right to appeal this ban, but it is nonetheless likely to spell bad news for his dying career. Having terminated his contract with Antalyaspor in January by mutual consent, the 30-year-old is now a free agent without a club.
He had been linked with a move to West Ham, but a return to England never materialized. Finding a new club for the unwanted two-time Premier League winner next season is now bordering on impossible as he won’t be allowed to play until late August.
