Former Inter striker Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa has received a two-year ban for ‘attempted fraud’ in connection with a doping incident in Brazil.
The center-forward was found culpable of trying to tamper with the doping test during the Flamengo training camp on April 8, 2023.
While his teammates underwent the doping tests before their scheduled 10 a.m. session, Gabigol was accused of ‘obstructing’ the officials conducting the tests.
He neglected to adhere to the testing procedures, opted to have lunch instead, handed over the container of his urine sample without proper sealing, and subsequently informed officials that this would be his ‘final’ doping test.
The ban was determined today and is effective until April 2025, spanning two years from the date of the incident.
The 27-year-old gained prominence following his high-profile transfer from Santos to Inter in the summer of 2016 for €29.5 million. However, he made minimal impact, managing just one goal in 10 appearances and earning the dubious distinction of being named Worst Player in Serie A.
Subsequently, he was loaned out to Benfica, Santos, and Flamengo before being permanently transferred to the latter in January 2020 for €17.5 million.