ARGENTINA World Cup winner Papu Gomez has been banned for two years for a doping offence, according to reports.
It is alleged the suspension has been handed out as a result of a positive test carried out in November 2022 – days before the World Cup.
Claims from Spanish news outlet Revelo, that were confirmed by Italian football newspaper Gazzetta, state the test was conducted when doctors came to a Sevilla training session.
Gomez, 35, claims he had a "bad night which led him to take a syrup from one of his children without prior consultation with the club's doctors".
Monza have been approached for comment.
Both the player and his former club Sevilla are understood to have been aware of the matter for months.
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However, the two-year ban, which has been widely reported across Spain and Italy, was not confirmed until this week.
Gomez, who featured in Argentina's games against Saudi Arabia and Australia at the World Cup, saw his Sevilla contract terminated in September after two years with the club.
Just three weeks ago, he penned a deal with Italian side Monza.
The potential drug ban was said to have "impeded" his ability to find a new home.
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3Gomez was initially willing to leave it until January to find a side as he awaited the outcome of his positive test.
But he ended up signing for Monza and has played just two games for the Serie A side.
It is not yet known whether he will appeal the punishment in an attempt to reduce the length of the ban.
Gomez made two appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He started the shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, before he was replaced by Enzo Fernandez after 59 minutes.
Gomez also played in Argentina's 2-1 win over Australia in the knock-out stages.
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