Swiss amateur footballer suspended and fined for doping!

A Swiss amateur footballer has been suspended by the Disciplinary Chamber of Swiss Sport for four years for the possession and attempted use of the prohibited substance RAD140 (SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) and also fined.

In February 2023, a package containing the substance and addressed to the footballer concerned was seized by the Customs at Basle-Mulhouse airport and sent to Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI).

Following an administrative procedure, the substance was destroyed.

The footballer was informed by SSI that possession and attempted use of the substance constitutes an anti-doping violation of the Swiss Olympic Committee Rules and was subject to a provisional suspension from 1 December 2023. The footballer saw the substance as increasing muscle development and recuperation.

Consequently, on 25 September 2024, the footballer was suspended for the minimum term of four years for a first offence, to run from 1 December 2023, and was also ordered to pay the administrative costs and a fine.

It is interesting to note that, as pointed out by the Disciplinary Chamber, violations of anti-doping regulations are strictly prohibited and apply not only to professional sportspersons, but also to amateurs!

Also, that the suspension applies to all sports and sports functions, including coaching and managing, throughout the world. A harsh sporting sanction indeed but considered necessary to keep sport clean and fair!

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