What drugs are used in Soccer: Facts & Figures
We are looking at doping in the biggest sport in the world - soccer. Italy, Brazil, and the UK tops the number of banned athletes.
The battle against doping continues to be at the forefront of sports integrity, with athletes, anti-doping agencies, and governing bodies working tirelessly to preserve fair competition and protect clean athletes. In this exploration, we use the data from the Anti-Doping Database, focusing on Italy, Brazil, and the United Kingdom's doping cases as they are the countries with the most cases in soccer.
Italy's Doping Landscape
Italy, known for its passionate sports culture, unfortunately, registers a significant number of doping cases. Nandrolone, an Anabolic Steroid, is the most commonly used substance and responsible for violations among Italian soccer players. Eight of the cases in Italian soccer is related to Nandrolone.
Cocaine, a stimulant, stands as the second most prevalent substance in Italy's doping cases, with seven recorded violations. Clostebol, another Anabolic Steroid, accounts for two violations.
Prominent soccer players
Probably the most prominent cases involving doping in soccer is the ban of Diego Maradona of Argentina. He tested positive for ephedrine during the FIFA World Cup in 1994.
In the 2003-2004 Premier League season Adrian Mutu tested positive for Cocaine. He was banned for 7 months and was also released by the club.
Brazil's Doping Incidents
In Brazil, a country known for its fervent passion for sports, doping challenges persist within the athletic landscape. Furosemide, a diuretic, ranks as the most frequently detected substance in doping cases, with four recorded violations among Brazilian athletes. Furosemide's diuretic properties make it attractive for some athletes attempting to mask the presence of other banned substances in their system.
Trailing closely behind, both Cocaine and Stanozolol have been responsible for three doping violations each. Cocaine, a potent stimulant, is a substance with severe health risks and no performance-enhancing properties.
On the other hand, Stanozolol, categorized as an Anabolic Steroid, poses a different set of challenges. These substances are known for their ability to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance, but their use is strictly prohibited in sports.
The United Kingdom's Doping Trends
In the United Kingdom, there have been eight doping violations involving Cocaine, making it the most prevalent substance in doping cases. Despite its lack of performance-enhancing benefits, Cocaine raises concerns due to its adverse effects on athletes' health and sportsmanship.
Cannabis and Methylhexaneamine are also prominent substances in the UK's anti-doping efforts, with three violations each. Cannabis, a psychoactive substance, and Methylhexaneamine, a stimulant, pose unique challenges, warranting focused educational programs and stringent monitoring to address their potential misuse in sports.
Suspension Duration for Doping Offenses
Alongside an in-depth look at the substances and countries affected by doping, it is essential to address the severity of consequences for doping violations. The Anti-Doping Database records 369 hits related to doping cases, each carrying its weight of responsibility and accountability.
Among these violations, two years' suspension is the most common penalty, with 87 instances. This reflects the significant impact of doping on athletes' careers, depriving them of opportunities to compete at the highest level.
Following closely behind is a four-year suspension, with 57 instances, representing a more severe consequence for egregious doping violations. Additionally, 47 instances result in a one-year suspension, emphasizing the range of penalties tailored to each case's specifics.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog post is based on available data and statistics as of [insert date] 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 sports.
10 years of doping in soccer (2013-2022)
| Year | Number of Banned Athletes |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 27 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| Total 369 banned athletes | |
Organizations
- Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
- Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)
News reports
- AS: Dino Baggio on Vialli’s death: “There was doping... I’m scared”
- GOAL: Doping in football: What is it, why do players do it & famous allegations
- Mail on Sunday: Does the Premier League have a drugs problem? MoS investigation reveals players could be tested as little as ONCE a season and they are almost NEVER tested for banned testosterone