Gabigol Reacts After CAS Overturns Suspension: “Justice Was Served, but the Wound Remains”
Cruzeiro striker Gabigol used social media this Friday (July 4) to express relief after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned his two-year suspension for attempted doping fraud. The case, stemming from a 2023 anti-doping test while he was still at Flamengo, ended with the CAS accepting his defense’s appeal against the Brazilian Doping Control Authority (ABCD).
In an emotional statement, Gabigol celebrated the decision and thanked the legal team that defended him throughout the process.
“It was almost two of the most difficult years of my life, when I was unjustly accused of something I never did,” he wrote. “No prohibited substance was found, but they still wanted to punish me for an alleged ‘attitude’. I saw my character questioned, my word discredited, my family suffering, my fans divided.”
He continued:
“I carried the burden of being seen as guilty before even being judged. I experienced the pain of seeing potential new paths closed and young people who look up to me confused about who I really am. CAS today recognized the obvious: that there was no fraud, no tampering. That justice for justice is not persecution. I hope my case serves as a reflection so that never again does an athlete, or anyone else, go through what I and my family went through.”
Gabigol concluded his outburst by reaffirming his gratitude:
“I leave this process with my head held high, but with the certainty that I will never forget those who walked with me. The truth always prevails!”
Why Gabigol Was Punished
The doping test in question was carried out on April 8, 2023, during a training session at Flamengo’s CT do Urubu. Although the result itself was negative, Gabigol was cited for violations of anti-doping control rules, including failure to appear at the doping control station after notification, lack of proper escort, and disrespect toward doping control officers.
The CAS, however, concluded that while Gabigol’s behavior was “totally devoid of cooperation,” it did not meet the definition of “tampering” under the World Anti-Doping Code. As a result, no punishment was maintained.
In a further post, Gabigol also expressed gratitude to Cruzeiro for their support throughout the legal battle.
