After failing a routine drugs test Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby has been suspended for two years along with his contract at Barnsley being subsequently canceled.
Diaby, 22, has been found guilty of consuming an illegal substance by the Football Association after UK-anti doping officials found evidence of Higenamine in his latest urine sample after tests from November 2019 returned earlier this week.
Although Higenamine is not an illegal drug and is used in dietary and weight-loss supplements, the World Anti-Doping Agency has banned this particular substance from all professional sporting codes as the FA submitted a statement regarding Diaby’s verdict.
“Bambo Diaby has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for two years following a breach of The FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations,” the statement said, as per the Mirror.
“The Barnsley FC defender provided an in-competition urine sample to The FA and UK Anti-Doping officials on 23 November 2019 that was found to contain Higenamine once analysed.
“The World Anti-Doping Agency classifies Higenamine as a prohibited substance at all times and he was subsequently charged by The FA for a breach of its Anti-Doping Regulations.”
“The suspension is effective from the date of the player’s provisional suspension on 17 January 2020 and will run-up to and including 16 January 2022.”
In response, the former Sampdoria man pleaded his innocence and thanked the club for their support throughout the ordeal.
“I am devastated with the news that I have received which means I cannot return to play football until 2022,” he said on his Twitter account.
“This has been such a long process but I had remained upbeat and inspired by the support and backing from the club.
“They supported me from day one of my charge and I am so grateful for that.
“I maintain my innocence, something the FA have acknowledged themselves but I must handle this decision with my family and look forward to a brighter future,” he added.
However, despite his and the club’s best efforts, the EFL outfit terminated his contract in a statement after the confirmation of his punishment.
“Despite making sincere efforts to identify the source of the prohibited substance, Diaby has been unable to do so. Because of this, a two-year mandatory ban has been imposed by WADA and The FA. Diaby was not found guilty of knowingly ingesting a banned substance,” as per, Sky Sports news.
“Both Diaby and Barnsley FC have been honest and compliant throughout the process. However, following the outcome, regretfully Diaby’s contract has been consensually terminated.”
Source: africanfootballhq.com
