UEFA wins appeal to extend Nasri doping ban

Former French international Samir Nasri has had his doping ban increased from six to 18 months following an appeal by UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector against the original sanction.

Currently without a club, the ex-Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder was suspended in February for taking an intravenous drip treatment at a Los Angeles clinic in 2016 whilst on holiday.

At the time he was on loan at Sevilla, prompting the Spanish anti-doping agency to open an investigation. He retroactively appealed to UEFA to grant him a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), but his request was refused.

The clinic described the treatment as an infusion to boost the immune system but UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector argued that the original ban was insufficient.

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The ban was backdated to July 1, 2017, meaning Nasri, who recently had his contract terminated at Antalyaspor of Turkey, can resume training with a club at the start of November.