Senegal winger Keita Balde could miss the World Cup in Qatar after an alleged breach of worldwide anti-doping policy. Balde was called for a drugs test in April while playing for Italian side Cagliari in a 5-1 defeat against Udinese.
The player, now with Spartak Moscow, returned a negative result but was judged to have broken protocols and has been suspended until December 5 — the middle of this winter’s tournament — by the Italian National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO).
A statement posted on Spartak’s website said that Balde had been disqualified in connection with a “violation of the doping control procedure”.
It read: “In a sample taken that day from Keita, no prohibited substances were found.
“Nevertheless, in accordance with the disciplinary code, any doping-related sanction applied by another national or international sports association, the national anti-doping organisation, is automatically accepted by FIFA and must be recognised by all confederations and associations.”
While the ban is automatic and effective immediately, The Athletic understands that FIFA is waiting for translated English documentation from Italy, before verifying the NADO’s procedures and decision.
FIFA has the ability to intervene and send the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while Balde could also appeal to the Swiss court.
A statement from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it was “closely monitoring the development of the situation” but expected Balde’s ban to run until December 22 — four days after the World Cup final.
Senegal start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on November 21 and also face Qatar and Ecuador in Group A.
The knockout stage starts on December 3, with the quarter-finals commencing four days after Balde’s scheduled ban expires.
Balde has won 40 caps for Senegal since making his debut in 2016.