ZCZC
BSP-11
FBL-FRA-NASRI-DOPING-UEFA
UEFA increases Nasri doping ban from six to 18 months
NYON, Switzerland, Aug 2, 2018 (AFP) – UEFA extended former France
international Samir Nasri’s doping ban from six to 18 months on Wednesday
over the intravenous drip treatment he received at a Los Angeles clinic in
2016.
The 31-year-old, who is currently without a club, was suspended for six
months in February after taking a multi-vitamin booster in contravention of
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.
The ban was backdated to July 1, 2017, meaning the ex-Manchester City and
Arsenal midfielder will be cleared to return next January. He can resume
training with a club at the start of November.
Nasri had the drip treatment while he was on loan at Sevilla during the
2016-17 season, prompting the Spanish anti-doping agency to open an
investigation.
He retroactively appealed to UEFA to grant him a therapeutic use exemption
(TUE), but his request was refused by European football’s governing body.
Nasri left Turkish side Antalya in January after disappointing six-month
spell following his arrival from Manchester City.
Six-time Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte was handed a 14-month
suspension last week for a similar infraction, with athletes usually only
allowed to receive an IV in the case of medical treatment.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1115HRS