After failing a drug test in October 2020, Cameroon and Ajax Amsterdam first choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana has been banned for 12 months.
The news of Onana’s suspension was released by Ajax on Friday, revealing that doctors found furosemide in his urine.
Ajax however said the drug was not intentionally used as the player wasn’t in good shape before taking his wife’s medications.
“The disciplinary body of the European football association, UEFA, has imposed a suspension of 12 months on Andre Onana for a doping violation. After an “out of competition” check on October 30 last year, the goalkeeper found the substance Furosemide in his urine. The suspension is effective from today and applies to all football activities, both national and international.
“On the morning of October 30, Onana was feeling unwell. He wanted to take a pill to ease the discomfort. Unknowingly, however, he took Lasimac, a drug that his wife had previously been prescribed. Onana’s confusion resulted in him mistakenly taking his wife’s medicine, ultimately causing this measure to be taken by UEFA against the goalkeeper. Furthermore, the disciplinary body of the football association has stated that Onana had no intention of cheating. However, the European Football Association believes, on the basis of the applicable anti-doping rules, that an athlete has a duty at all times to ensure that no banned substances enter the body.
“Onana and Ajax will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“Managing director Edwin van der Sar: “We explicitly renounce performance-enhancing drugs, we obviously stand for a clean sport. This is a terrible setback, for Andre himself but certainly also for us as a club. Andre is a top goalkeeper, who has proven his worth for Ajax for years and is very popular with the fans. We had hoped for a conditional suspension or for a suspension much shorter than these twelve months, because it was arguably not intended to strengthen his body and thus improve his performance. ”
Onana is arguably Africa’s best goalkeeper, as he has also staked his claim as one of the finest shot-stoppers in Europe.
The 12-month ban means the player won’t feature at the AFCON, which is to be hosted by Cameroon in 2022.