Hull City loanee Oscar Zambrano has been hit with a ban after he tested positive for drugs with South America’s governing body taking action – although he intends to appeal
Hull City loanee Oscar Zambrano has been hit with a ban after he tested positive for drugs with South America’s governing body taking action – although he intends to appeal Hull City loanee Oscar Zambrano has been hit with a ban after he tested positive for drugs with South America’s governing body taking action – although he intends to appeal
Hull City footballer Oscar Zambrano has been banned from football for breaching anti-doping rules by CONMEBOL, South America’s governing body.
The Ecuadorian is currently on loan with the Championship club from Ecuadorian club LDU Quito, but will no longer be able to play for the Tigers. The 20-year-old plans to appeal the decision.
Initially, though, Zambrano will be unavailable for Hull – starting with their clash at Oxford United. The midfielder was aware he faced the threat of a ban as he was investigated by the Ecuadorian FA following a drugs issue that arose following a test in March during his time in his homeland.
A club statement from Hull read: “Hull City can confirm that, with immediate effect, CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, has suspended Oscar Zambrano for breaching the anti-doping rules set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the CONMEBOL Anti-Doping Regulations.
“Zambrano and his defence will use their right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Club is not in a position to provide further information at this time.”
Hull owner Acun Ilicali knew about the threat of the ban when he signed Zambrano and has previously said he would stand by the loanee.
He said: “He has an issue, but about this issue, we believe in him. He told us his story and his problem is that he’s in danger of getting banned maybe but we think he is innocent. He just explained everything to us and that’s the reason we will be able to get him with this budget. If anything comes of course, there will not be any damage (to the club) and we will take this risk, so for us, it is okay.”
Zambrano, who came through the academy at Colorados Jaipadida, which has also produced the likes of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, claimed earlier this season that his test result wasn’t due to anything intentional.
He said: “It is an issue that they are resolving and as I say, I believe that, thank God, it is on the right track, and at the end of the day, I am aware that it was not something that was intentional.
“I know that a lot of people misunderstand it out there, but that’s normal and people can make whatever comments they want, to think what they can, they have every right but inside of me, I know how things were and what really happened. I’m calm, I’m training hard and hoping that I’ll be given the opportunity (to impress).”
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