According to reports, Flamengo’s striker Gabigol has received a two-year suspension due to an alleged anti-doping test violation, potentially delaying his return until 2025.
The incident gained attention when he displayed erratic behavior during an unannounced test on April 8, 2023, just before Flamengo’s Rio de Janeiro state championship match.
Despite anti-doping officers’ presence at the club’s training ground, Barbosa largely ignored them, eventually taking the test hours after his teammates.
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As per reports from Ge.globo, his suspension was initiated on April 8, 2023, the date of his sample collection at Flamengo’s training facility, and is set to last until April 2025.
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Now 27, Gabigol is expected to pursue an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He faces allegations of violating Article 122 of the Brazilian Anti-Doping Code, which concerns ‘fraud or attempted fraud at any stage of the control process’.
Allegations suggest that Gabigol obstructed officials before the exam, with a report in the complaint indicating that he delayed providing the sample and did not follow instructions. Examiners claim that the player also showed disrespect towards them.
Gabigol is said to have failed to cooperate with the examination team before training and then ignored them after lunch.
Later, he reportedly took the collection vessel without informing anyone before being escorted to the bathroom by an officer.Reports indicate that he returned the vessel containing the urine sample open.
Even if Gabigol had tested negative, his behavior may still have constituted ‘fraud or attempted fraud’, as stated in the anti-doping rulebook.
Except for Gabigol, who was disciplined during the trial after a five to four majority vote, Flamengo’s squad underwent their examinations before training on April 8.
Barbosa to appeal after Anti-Doping results
Barbosa’s legal team argued that his blood test, considered more reliable, demonstrated his cleanliness at the time. They also stated that his unfriendly behavior toward the officers did not imply an attempt to manipulate the test.
“On my social media channels, I stress that I never attempted to obstruct or manipulate any test. I believe that my appeal will prove my innocence,” Barbosa stated.
“Throughout my football career, I have always adhered to the rules and have never used banned substances. I have undergone numerous tests, all of which have come back negative, demonstrating my dedication to my club and Brazilian fans.”
A statement provided by Flamengo stated, “There was no fraud, not even an attempted fraud. The club received the decision with surprise and will assist the athlete in his representation at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
Known as Gabigol, the 27-year-old Barbosa is currently in the final year of his contract with Flamengo, a club where he has gained national acclaim following unsuccessful stints at Inter Milan and Benfica.
The striker was a member of Brazil’s Olympic gold medal-winning squad at the Rio Olympics in 2016. He left for Europe later that year but returned to Santos in 2018, quickly establishing himself as one of Brazil’s most prolific scorers.
Barbosa made the move to Flamengo in 2019 and played a key role in the team’s success, helping them secure two Copa Libertadores titles and two Brazilian league championships. However, he has found himself on the bench since former Brazil coach Tite took over at Flamengo last October.
