Argentina World Cup winner is banned for doping for two years, after he ‘took children’s sickness syrup’ days before a test in the lead-up to the tournament

• An Argentina World Cup winner has been handed a two-year ban for doping
• He has blamed the failed test on taking his children’s sickness syrup
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Coming Up!’

Argentina World Cup winner Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez has been hit with a two-year ban for failing a drugs test after he reportedly took his children’s sickness syrup in the build-up to the tournament.

Gomez lifted football’s most coveted prize alongside Lionel Messi and co. last December following a dramatic penalty shootout victory against France in the final.

However, it has emerged that he failed a test for a prohibited substance shortly before the World Cup got underway in November 2022.

Gomez and his club side at the time, Sevilla, were made aware of the failed test months ago, but the player has only received his sanction this week – a two-year ban from the sport.

The 35-year-old has blamed the failed test on taking his children’s sickness syrup without consulting with Sevilla’s doctors after having a bad night’s sleep, according to Relevo.

Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez won the World Cup last year but has now been banned for two years for doping

Gomez played against Australia in the last 16 of the tournament in Qatar last year

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However, this reason was not deemed acceptable for him to avoid a ban.

He must now decide whether he wishes to appeal the verdict in an attempt to get his ban reduced or overturned. 

The news is a bitter blow for Serie A outfit Monza, who only signed Gomez as a free agent last month.

This came after his contract was terminated by Sevilla on the final day of the summer transfer window after a two-and-a-half year spell at the club that saw him win the Europa League last season.

Gomez is best known for his time at Atalanta between 2014 and 2021. 

The winger made 252 appearances for the club, scoring 59 goals, as he led the club into the Champions League for the first time in their history.

He left the Italian club in early 2021 after falling out with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

It seemed he could finish off his career on a high back in Serie A with Monza, but he has been restricted to just two substitute appearances since joining them, and has now been handed a lengthy ban. 

Gomez has made just two appearances for Monza and has now been given a lengthy ban

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