Malta ex-defender Ferdinando Apap fails doping test, handed three-month ban
Gozitan defender failed test after FA Trophy clash against Ħamrun Spartans
Former Malta international defender Ferdinando Apap was handed a three-month ban after failing a doping test during an FA Trophy match at the start of the year.
According to a Newsbook article, Apap tested positive after the FA Trophy match between Victoria Hotspurs and Ħamrun Spartans, which was played at the Tedesco Stadium on January 3.
Times of Malta confirmed that results showed traces of cocaine in his system, and the player was immediately suspended.
Apap initially rebutted the claim but later provided enough evidence to substantiate his defence that the drug was consumed in a social environment.
The player told the authorities that the drug was not consumed to enhance his performance during this game.
In such cases, a mandatory three-month suspension is imposed on the athlete. If he agrees to attend the rehabilitation programme, the Substance of Abuse Treatment programme with Sedqa, the ban would be lowered to one month.
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