Sergio Ramos: anti-doping report published by Der Spiegel
Der Spiegel has released the Spanish anti-doping agency's report relating to the Málaga game in which it is stated that the Madrid captain "paid no attention to warnings."
German daily Der Spiegel has published the report filed by Spain’s Anti-Doping Agency (AEPSAD) after a Real Madrid game against Málaga in April 2018 in which it has been claimed by Football Leaks that Sergio Ramos refused to comply with regulations as laid out in Spanish anti-doping legislation.
In the report, which is dated September 21, 2018, and addressed to the head of Real Madrid’s medical department (whose name has been blacked out in the document), AEPSAD summarises the version of events given by a Spanish anti-doping official after the Málaga game on April 15.
"The player Sergio Ramos asked me if he could shower before providing a urine sample as the rest of the team were waiting for their flight back to Madrid. I informed him that AEPSAD regulations did not permit it and that he therefore could not do so. The player expressed his disagreement along with the Real Madrid doctor. He said that in Uefa competitions players were allowed to shower and that the same was true in LaLiga. I replied that I was unaware of this and that even if it was the case, which I do not believe it is, I could not permit him to shower. The player paid no attention to my warnings and proceeded to the shower in the doping control room in Málaga CF’s stadium and showered (in my presence). I informed him that it would be reflected in my corresponding report, to which he showed not the slightest concern."
Ramos promises legal action against Football Leaks
In the same document sent to Real Madrid by AEPSAD, which called on Real Madrid to respond within 10 days, Article 77.2 of Spanish anti-doping regulations is stated: "In the case that the collection of a sample is of urine, the anti-doping official tasked with collecting the sample who is accompanying the player much prohibit him from showering, bathing or urinating."
The report concluded that failure to comply with these regulations is considered a serious infraction that includes "the hindrance of any part of the doping control proceedings."
After Football Leaks published the documents relating to the Málaga game and the claim that Ramos returned an abnormal sample after the Champions League final in 2017, AEPSAD issued a statement: "AEPSAD only proceeds to the opening of disciplinary proceedings when it has sufficient evidence of a possible anti-doping rule violation, otherwise AEPSAD does not proceed with the opening of disciplinary proceedings."
Ramos responded to the Football Leaks allegations after Real Madrid’s defeat at Eibar on Saturday and said that the revelations were an "attempt at blackmail" and that he would be taking legal action against Der Spiegel and Football Leaks.
Real Madrid also issued a statement in the wake of the allegations noting that Uefa closed the case relating to the Champions League final "immediately after gaining proof from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s own experts (WADA) and UEFA" and called the Football Leaks claims "unsubstantiated."
