Tottenham’s Chioma Ubogagu has been banned for nine months for two unintentional anti-doping violations over acne medication

Tottenham striker Chioma Ubogagu has been banned for nine months after two anti-doping violations, the Football Association has announced.

The 29-year-old, who has three England caps, admitted the offenses related to the banned substance canrenone, which was detected in a urine sample last October.

The independent regulatory commission that imposed the suspension, which runs until October this year, accepted that Ubogagu committed the violations unintentionally.

Tottenham said the banned substance was in a drug that Ubogagu had been prescribed in the United States to treat acne and was unaware it was banned.

A statement from the FA on Thursday read: “An independent Oversight Committee has suspended Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Chioma Ubogagu for nine months after committing two anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs).

“The forward was charged under the FA’s Anti-Doping Rules with the presence and use of canrenone, a prohibited substance, of two ADRVs and detected in a urine sample taken during a squad test on Thursday, October 7, 2021 by Britain was taken anti-doping.

“Chioma Ubogagu admitted that the two ADRVs the commission accepted were committed unintentionally and noted that during a subsequent hearing (she) demonstrated that she had committed them without significant fault or negligence on her part.

“The Commission imposed a nine-month suspension.”

Tottenham, who signed former Arsenal and Real Madrid player Ubogagu last summer, said in a statement on their official website: “Chioma has been prescribed two forms of medication to treat acne in the United States by a personal doctor prescribed before signing for the club.

“The 29-year-old continued to take the drug to treat her skin condition after her arrival, unaware that the drug was banned.

“In November 2021, Chioma applied for a repeat prescription from the club doctor, who brought the use of a prohibited substance to the attention of the relevant bodies, the FA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).

“The FA accepts that Chioma did not take the drug spironolactone to intentionally gain an illegal advantage.

“Both the club and Chioma have cooperated fully with the FA and UKAD throughout the disciplinary process and Chioma has not stood for selection since the provisional suspension was imposed in January.

“Chioma accepts full responsibility for the charges and deeply regrets her actions as she admits a lack of knowledge and awareness on her part.”

Ubogagu said: “I’m so sorry for my teammates and staff that I can’t be on the pitch. The club has been very supportive throughout this process and I am so grateful for all of their help.

“My faith, family and close friends have helped me a lot during this difficult time. I look forward to returning soon after this is fixed.

“I want to clarify that the drug did not have a performance enhancing effect for me, but I still made the mistake of not being as diligent as possible and as a result I am unable to play the game I love until I serve my suspension have .

“Although my dermatologist knows my profession, it is also my responsibility to learn more about the medications I am prescribed.

“I plan to share my story and educate others about the seriousness of what can happen and I hope I can help other athletes avoid situations like mine in the future.”

In an article on the Players’ Tribune website, Ubogagu reiterated that while she made an “honest mistake,” she had “absolutely no idea” that spironolactone contained a banned substance, but she “took full responsibility for what.” happened”, take over.

She said the experience was “chaotic, lonely and most importantly, very tough” and offered advice to other athletes.

Ubogagu – who also spoke about being denied a therapeutic use exemption and fearing a two to four year ban – said: “My advice to all the athletes out there is to double check everything. Whether it’s a skin treatment or a cough medicine or whatever. YOU are responsible for what goes into YOUR body.

“Maybe you know in your heart that you’re not a scammer, but in the end you can still get banned just like someone who is. The system is just as strict, so you need to be extra careful. Check the website, ask your doctor and check again!”