Sergio Ramos has declared himself “vehemently” opposed to doping after it was alleged he was involved in a breach of regulations.
On Friday, German magazine Der Spiegel claimed the Madrid captain returned a positive test for the glucocorticoid dexamethasone after the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff, but that no action was taken as it was deemed to be due to an ‘administrative mistake’.
Der Spiegel said UEFA had investigated the matter and that a doctor’s administrative error was at fault, failing to declare dexamethasone’s use. The substance is not banned if its use is declared.
Madrid, UEFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency all moved quickly to say the matter had been resolved satisfactorily and Ramos has now spoken.
In a statement, the 32-year-old said: “I am vehemently opposed to doping, I have never participated, nor will I ever participate in, nor have I consented to, nor will I ever consent to, any form of doping.”
Going on to explain the 2017 incident, he added: “I received a standard medical treatment administered by the club’s medical professionals. The matter was clarified and resolved formally in writing between the organisations.”
Comunicado oficial | Official Announcement pic.twitter.com/dYYFMWKjj3
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) November 24, 2018
Der Spiegel also claimed that after a clash against Malaga in April, Ramos asked to shower before a post-match doping test, which goes against protocol.
“When the match ended I was requested to complete an anti-doping test. Given the time pressures on the team’s return journey, the official allowed me to shower, remaining in his presence at all times, before completing the test, which I passed, as in all cases” Ramos said.
“Over the course of my long sporting career I have submitted to, and passed satisfactorily, an infinite number of anti-doping tests. Neither in this case, as UEFA, WADA and Real Madrid have already stated, have I breached anti-doping regulations.
“With respect to the right of information, I must also uphold my right to honour. My legal team will consider taking further action in those cases which misrepresent the truth and therefore undermine my reputation and violate my rights.”
On Friday, UEFA said it “strongly and categorically refutes unfounded allegations it has covered up positive doping results” and that had WADA or FIFA wanted to challenge anything, they could have.
WADA later acknowledged the matter was “handled appropriately” by UEFA.
Provided by Press Association Sport
