SUMMARY
- It has occurred multiple times that Sergio Ramos has refused to give his urine sample before having a shower after games.
- According to The Guardian, Ramos tested positive for dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that also enhances athletic performance and is prohibited in soccer.
Doping is one of the most scandalous issues in the soccer world. Doping allegations have shaken the soccer arena at various times. It refers to the intentional and unintentional use of prohibitive drugs and methods by athletes. Many renowned players have faced bans and suspensions due to anti-doping allegations. However, reports from Spain reveal how La Liga players like Sergio Ramos twisted the rule to their advantage.
Using performance-enhancing medicines can improve the athletic performances of soccer players. It can increase their strength and stamina which means they can play soccer for longer hours. However, its advantages are outnumbered by its long-ranging mental and physical side effects. Excessive usage of preventive drugs can lead to liver damage, tumors, depression, and anxiety among soccer players.
Important notice to athletes, entourage and all stakeholders 📣
The 2024 Prohibited List and Monitoring Program take effect on January 1st!
We invite stakeholders, especially athletes and entourage, to read our latest news to understand the changes, their responsibilities, and… pic.twitter.com/Ny9qqMsjHW
— WADA (@wada_ama) December 18, 2023
Considering this, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in coordination with various National Organizations has laid down codes related to the promotion and coordination of ant-doping programmes. If soccer players flout these codes, then players might face a ban from professional soccer for several months. In very extreme cases a failure to comply with the rules might also invite a lifetime ban.
An investigative report from the Spanish website Relevo (via Onefootball) reveals how the anti-doping agency from Spain, CELAD failed to punish players in the years ranging from 2017 to 2022. Many times, traces of undesired medicines were found in the athletes’ samples, but the athletes went on to play unscathed.
CELAD made inappropriate use of its funds and conducted sub-standard tests. Sometimes, the agency only sent one tester, instead of the mandated two. Reportedly, WADA was aware of the Spanish agency’s wrongdoings but surprisingly did not intervene in the matter.
Following reports of improper testing practice by the Anti-Doping Agency in Spain, Relevo have revealed that their error prevented Sergio Ramos from being sanctioned in 2018. #RealMadrid #SevillaFC pic.twitter.com/pxrQe0Ejo1
— Football España (@footballespana_) December 29, 2023
The Spanish anti-doping agency employed many ingenious methods to help the players accused of doping. Reportedly, CELAD sent documents commencing an investigation via mail and not e-mail.
Players from La Liga used this loophole to their advantage and pleaded in court that they did not receive the notification in time. A year is an upper limit in this regard, and if the players are not made aware before the timeline, then the charges are inevitably dropped.
Sergio Ramos denied anti-doping allegations in 2018
The Spanish defender and other Real Madrid players have come under the anti-doping allegations quite a few times. Doctors from UEFA once visited Real Madrid’s training ground and conducted tests on Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos. Tensions were rising during the tests and lastly, The La Liga club’s doctors intervened in the process, which is against the protocol.
Reportedly, it has occurred multiple times that Sergio Ramos has refused to give his urine sample before having a shower after games. According to The Guardian, Ramos once tested positive for dexamethasone which is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory medicine that cures swelling and rashes. However, it can also enhance performance in athletes, and hence it is a prohibited medicine in soccer.
On April 15 2018, Real Madrid played a league match in Malaga and after the match, several players were called to an anti-doping control. One of them was Sergio Ramos. Ramos took his bath before the urine test which was prohibited and he could not be punished because only one… pic.twitter.com/KDyhLLdbdd
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 29, 2023
An agitated Real Madrid considered the piece of information as false. The club released a statement that read, “Sergio Ramos has never failed to comply with anti-doping rules.” The 14-time winners of the UEFA Champions League also informed the world that it has answered the queries raised by WADA and UEFA positively, and provided the agencies with all the information.
‘Los Blancos’ considered the case closed after verification by the agencies’ experts. Real Madrid considered the rumors of Sergio Ramos’ alleged doping allegations to be lacking in substance.