Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A former Nigeria junior international, Orji Okonkwo, has had his four-year ban for doping violation by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal extended worldwide by the world football–governing body, FIFA.
In its ruling on the case for a worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian National Anti-Doping, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio, affirmed that the player had been cited properly, and he has had the opportunity to state his case.
He said the decision has been communicated properly, adding that the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.
“Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20the June, 2022.
“More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision,” he added.
The four-year ban on the player has been backdated to February 25, 2022, and he will be free to play again on February 24, 2026.
The 24-year-old, who plays for Serie A side, Bologna, was initially handed the ban by the national anti-doping agency (Nado Italia) in June.
In February, Okonkwo, who is set to appeal, had tested positive for the steroid, clostebol, during a loan spell at Cittadella.
Clostebol, which the player said he used to treat a problematic knee, is on the World Anti-Doping Code prohibited list.
The player’s representatives said that he will appeal against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS).
