Papu Gómez banned for two years after testing positive for banned substance

Argentine World Cup-winning midfielder Papu Gomez has been given a two-year ban by Fifa after testing positive for a banned substance, say his club Monza.

The Serie A side, who Gomez joined in September, said terbutaline was found in a sample taken from when he played for Sevilla in October 2022.

The 35-year-old has made just two appearances for Monza this season.

He made two appearances for Argentina as they won a third World Cup title in Qatar last December.

In a statement on Friday, Monza said: "Fifa has notified the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission of the first instance ruling of the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission against the player Alejandro Dario Gomez."

Gomez, who is best known for helping 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.

Monza said the positive test was the result of "involuntary ingestion", adding they will "evaluate the next procedural steps to take".