Argentina international Papu Gomez has been handed a two-year ban from football for taking a prohibited substance – revealed in an anti-doping test that took place weeks before last year’s World Cup.

Gomez tested positive while at Sevilla in November last year after an unplanned visit from anti-doping officials to a club training session. Later that month, the playmaker started the World Cup group stage clash against Saudi Arabia before also starting against Australia in the Round of 16.

As detailed by Spanish media outlet Relevo, the player’s defence for testing positive was that days before he had endured a night feeling ill, which led to him taking a syrup prescribed to one of his children – without prior consultation with the club’s doctors. He has the option to appeal the decision.

The anti-doping rules are very clear and the unnamed substance for which Gomez tested positive was on the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Players are always responsible for what substances are found in their system, with advice from their doctors not a valid defence.

Gomez and Sevilla were aware that a positive test was likely to lead to a lengthy suspension from football, yet the report adds that clearance was given for the 35-year-old to continue playing before a sanction was handed down.

The veteran started just five La Liga games for Sevilla after the World Cup last season and went six months without being named in the starting line-up. His contract at the Spanish side was this summer – one year ahead of its due end date in 2024 – and Gomez joined Serie A outfit Monza as a free agent.

It is reported that clubs were made aware of the sanction hanging over Gomez’s head and it detracted a series of suitors from making a move. The Argentine has featured twice for his new club this season, both as a substitute and totalling just 39 minutes of action. It remains to be seen whether Gomez will appeal the decision at the age of 35 or if he will seek to retire.

Mirror.co.uk