Veteran India goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who was caught in a doping quagmire recently, opted for voluntary suspension, the National Anti-Doping Agency confirmed on Wednesday, reported The Hindu.
Paul had tested positive for a banned substance during an out out-of-competition dope test in March this year. So far Paul’s ‘A’ sample has been found positive. He would have faced a ban of four years if his ‘B’ sample Test had also returned positive. However, he refused to undergo a ‘B’ sample test in May. Paul has pleaded not guilty and said that he will prove his innocence.
NADA had not suspended Paul due to the fact that the drug, Terbutaline Beta-2 Agonist was a “specified substance.” This allowed Paul to play the Federation Cup with his club DSK Shivajians in Cuttack last month. Apparently, Paul applied for a voluntary suspension after his team’s exit from the tournament on May 13.
“Paul opted for voluntary (provisional) suspension. So, he stands suspended,” said NADA director general Navin Agarwal on Tuesday. Soon Paul’s case will be up for hearing before a disciplinary panel.
Paul is said to have consumed the substance through a cough syrup, which the Bengal goalkeeper has been taking to cope with a bronchial problem. In case he is found guilty and is banned for a certain period, then the duration of his provisional suspension will be deducted from the overall ban period.