Melbourne defender Joel Smith has been hit with a ban of 4 years and three months by the AFL after breaching 5 anti-doping guidelines.
The ban means Smith is prohibited from enjoying at any stage of Australian Soccer, or some other sport that indicators as much as the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) code, till early 2028.
The 28-year-old’s ban has been agreed to by WADA, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and the AFL.
Smith examined optimistic for cocaine throughout a routine drug check on sport day in August 2023.
It later emerged he had despatched textual content messages to teammates saying he had obtained the drug and provided it to them, which below anti-doping legal guidelines is taken into account trafficking.
Beneath these legal guidelines, he was discovered responsible of trafficking and/or making an attempt to visitors cocaine.
Three of the 5 rule breaches relate to trafficking or making an attempt to visitors cocaine.
“The result on this matter, by which Joel Smith has been suspended for greater than 4 years, displays the seriousness with which the AFL treats breaches of the Australian Soccer Anti-Doping Code and is a salutary lesson for any participant utilizing illicit substances which might be prohibited below the WADA Code,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon mentioned in an announcement.
“Using performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited in Australian Soccer and the AFL will proceed to work with Sport Integrity Australia to determine and prosecute the usage of such substances in competitors and different conduct prohibited by the Australian Soccer Anti-Doping Code.
“The AFL doesn’t in any means condone the usage of illicit medication.
“If a participant chooses to make use of illicit medication, the potential penalties are substantial, together with dangers to well being and security and of shedding the privilege of enjoying skilled soccer, as has occurred right here.”
Beneath the phrases of the suspension, Smith is prohibited from taking part in any sports activities which have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code-compliant anti-doping coverage till January 9, 2028, though he could return to coaching from November 2027.
