What drugs are used in Handball: Facts & Figures

France takes the lead in handball's doping cases, with Cannabis being the most commonly used drug among more than 100 athletes registered for doping violations.

Handball, an exhilarating and fast-paced sport, has faced its fair share of doping scandals. In this article, we analyze the data to tell about the problem of doping in handball. From the most commonly used drugs to the countries with the highest incidence of banned athletes, we explore the challenges facing the sport in maintaining a clean and fair environment.

Doping in Handball: A Closer Look

Handball, a thrilling and demanding sport, has seen over 100 athletes fall victim to doping violations. In our comprehensive analysis, we reveal France as the country with the highest number of athletes banned for doping, followed closely by Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Cannabis: The Dominant Doping Concern

Cannabis, a substance with widespread recreational use, emerges as the most commonly used drug in handball, accounting for over half of the doping cases. Handball players from France make up a significant proportion, with 59% of banned athletes found guilty of using Cannabis. Italy and Spain follow, constituting 14% and 4% of the banned athletes, respectively.

Amphetamine: A Troubling Trend

Amphetamine ranks as the second most prevalent drug among handball players involved in doping cases. Athletes from Saudi Arabia dominate in the usage of Amphetamine, with players from the USA and the Netherlands trailing behind.

Cocaine: An Alarming Presence

Cocaine, a potent stimulant with severe health risks, raises concern as the third most used drug by handball players. The statistics indicate that players from Sweden, France, and Serbia have tested positive for Cocaine, prompting the need for stringent anti-doping measures to address this concerning trend.

Suspension Duration for Doping Offenses

The consequences for doping offenses in handball vary based on the severity of the violation. Among the more than 100 handball players involved in doping cases, 26% received a two-year suspension, 18% faced a three-month suspension, and 15% were banned for one year.

These varying suspension durations highlight the importance of individualizing consequences to match the circumstances of each case. The aim is to maintain fairness while dissuading athletes from resorting to prohibited substances.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog post is based on available data and statistics as of 2020, and may be subject to updates or changes as new information becomes available. It is crucial for athletes and stakeholders to stay informed about the latest anti-doping regulations and developments in the world of handball.

Back to facts

€99

(or €9.9 per user)
Per month
Minimum 10 users

Access the world's largest Anti-Doping Database, spanning over 60 years of doping cases and investigations.

Use up-to-date data when reporting or researching on doping in sport, or when defending an athlete in an anti-doping matter.