Sergio Ramos has responded to claims that he was involved in a breach of anti-doping regulations.
A report from Der Spiegel on Friday night said 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 error’.
The German magazine claims UEFA investigated the issue and concluded that a doctor, not Ramos, was at fault for failing to declare dexamethasone’s use. The substance is not among the banned substances.
But Ramos has come out with a statement: “That is a very difficult issue, complicated. I must come out and defend myself, with my legal team, against these allegations. I have been through 250 or 300 doping tests over my career, and never failed one, there has never been any irregularity.
“We know the type of publication this is. They threatened us with the news a month and a half ago. When you know the truth, you are not afraid of lies. It is an attempt to stain my image and my professional reputation.”
And Madrid have backed Ramos, saying in a statement: “With regards to the reports published by Der Spiegel in relation to our captain, Sergio Ramos, the club wishes to express the following:
“Sergio Ramos has never breached anti-doping regulations.
“UEFA requested specific information and have immediately closed the case, as is customary in such instances, following tests carried out by experts from the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) and UEFA itself.”
