Argentine World Cup-winning midfielder Papu Gomez has denied doping and blamed his positive test on accidentally ingesting his son’s cough syrup.
On Friday, Gomez was given a two-year ban by Fifa after testing positive for a banned substance.
“I have never used, nor ever had any intention using doping methods,” said Monza’s Gomez on Instagram on Sunday.
Terbutaline was found in a sample taken from when Gomez played for Sevilla in October 2022.
The 35-year-old joined Italian club Monza in September and has made two appearances for them.
“It should be noted that therapeutic use of terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and that in no way does it improve sporting performance,” added Gomez, with both he and his club saying he involuntarily ingested the banned substance from his son’s cough syrup.
He added that there could be legal action as he believes that his case was not handled in accordance with regulations.
Gomez made two appearances for Argentina as they won a third World Cup in Qatar last December.
The midfielder, who is best known for helping Monza’s fellow Italian club Atalanta reach the Champions League in his seven-year spell in Bergamo, can appeal the decision.
Terbutaline is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases.
