Sergio Ramos allegedly named among players involved in Spanish Anti-Doping Agency scandal

Fresh revelations have surfaced regarding former Real Madrid and current Sevilla star Sergio Ramos, who reportedly managed to avoid punishment for violating doping test protocol during his time at Real Madrid.

The alleged incident is linked to the broader scandal surrounding the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency (CELAD), which has faced accusations of lax and suspicious anti-doping controls over a five-year period from 2017 to 2022.

As reported by Relevo, Ramos was slated to undergo a doping test after a match against Malaga in April 2018. However, both Ramos and the Madrid team doctor, Julio de la Morena, refused to take the test until after Ramos had the opportunity to shower. According to anti-doping regulations, athletes are required to provide samples immediately after competition, and any refusal or obstruction is treated as if the athlete has tested positive.

The report reveals that this incident had been previously reported by Der Spiegel, but new details shed light on why the matter did not result in an investigation or sanctions for Ramos. 

Ramos and de la Morena declared their actions as part of the required follow-up process. However, the investigation was ultimately dropped due to a common yet incorrect practice—the test was conducted by only one agent instead of the required two, rendering it void. Notably, the second person present during the test was not a certified agent but rather the father of the agent.

It is essential to clarify that there is no suggestion that Ramos tested positive for banned substances; rather, the issue revolves around the violation of anti-doping protocols and the subsequent failure to investigate the incident. 

The revelations add another layer of scrutiny to the already contentious anti-doping practices within Spanish sports during the specified period.