The Anti-Doping Sports Justice Prosecutor’s Office has leveled a significant charge against Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), the renowned Brazilian football star, following an incident on April 8th at Flamengo’s training facility, Ninho do Urubu. He is accused of trying to manipulate a doping control test, a serious violation in professional sports.
A legal process has been initiated against Gabigol, leading to a trial at the Anti-Doping Sports Court (TJD-AD). He is under scrutiny for potentially violating the strict regulations of the Brazilian Anti-Doping Code. The Code stipulates harsh penalties for such offenses, including a suspension that could last up to four years, a significant blow to any athlete’s career.
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Details of the Incident
The events of April 8th were marked by non-compliance and defiance. Unlike his teammates who completed their doping tests before their 10am training session, Gabigol is reported to have engaged in obstructive behavior. His actions not only delayed the process but also displayed a lack of respect and cooperation towards the testing officials.
Here’s a list of his actions, for more perspective, according to testing officials:
- Prior to Training: The player ignored the examination officials, failing to communicate with them before his training session began.
- Post-Training Behavior: After his training, he completely disregarded the officials and chose to have lunch, showing a lack of respect towards the team.
- Non-Compliance with Procedures: He deviated from standard procedures by unexpectedly taking the collection vessel about 90 minutes later, without informing anyone.
- Irritation During Sample Collection: He displayed visible irritation, particularly when an officer accompanied him to the bathroom for sample collection, a standard part of the process.
- Improper Handling of Collection Vessel: In a clear breach of protocol, he handed over the vessel opened, contrary to the instructions given to him.
- Frustration over Frequent Testing: The complaint highlights Gabriel Barbosa’s frustration with being frequently chosen for doping tests.
- Final Test Declaration: Post-test on April 8th, he stated that this would be his final doping control.
This situation unfolded on the eve of the second game of the Campeonato Carioca final, where Fluminense defeated Flamengo 4-1, clinching the championship.
Doping control procedures and defense
The Brazilian Doping Control Authority (ABCD), responsible for conducting surprise doping tests, notified Gabigol of the alleged fraud on May 30th. Flamengo’s legal team argues that any technical non-compliance in the delivery of the collection bottle was the responsibility of the Doping Control Officer. In the statement for Gabigol’s defense,
“There was no error in the athlete’s procedure when delivering the bottle after collecting the material (…) If the delivery of the bottle did not comply with technical and safety standards, it would be up to the Dosage Control Officer to refuse and demand a new collection, which was not done”
The complaint against Gabigol, drafted by prosecutor João Guilherme Guimarães Gonçalves, calls for his personal statement and testimonies from Flamengo’s medical team. Both Flamengo and Gabigol’s representatives maintain his innocence, stating the test was negative and insisting that there was no attempt to cheat, viewing the situation as a misunderstanding.
Statements
GE reached out to Flamengo, who confirmed that they haven’t yet received the complaint’s notification. Gabigol’s office also responded with a statement at 11 am, Friday, 22 December, 2023.
Official Note from Gabigol’s Office:
Gabriel Barbosa, along with his family and staff, are aware of the article published on Globo.com this Friday (22). The Flamengo player wants to make it clear that the test was conducted and the result was negative. With this information, there’s no evidence of any breach of protocol rules. We firmly state that at no point did Gabriel attempt to manipulate the exam. Our team is available for further clarification.
Flamengo’s Statement:
As of now, Flamengo hasn’t received the official notification of the sports complaint from the Prosecutor’s Office. Upon receiving it, the club will actively defend the athlete. It’s important to note that there was no deliberate action or attempt by the athlete to disrupt or influence the doping control process. Flamengo trusts in the fairness of sporting justice and believes that the events described are merely a misunderstanding, not a significant violation.
