Doping in La Liga? Spanish agency under scrutiny after failing to investigate 11 positive tests in recent years

CELAD failed to open an investigation into 11 positive tests between the years of 2017 and 2021, according to Relevo. The annual reports of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have revealed just one of 12 positive cases was investigated and that resulted in a "symbolic" punishment to Raul de Tomas of a one-month ban and a fine of just €3,000 (£247,000).

CELAD opted to archive cases after initial proceedings had been opened rather than proceed with an investigation after accepting "medical justification" explanations from the players involved. In 2022, Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez was banned for two years after a positive result for terbutaline. The midfielder, who actually played for Argentina at World Cup 2022 during the investigation, claimed the banned substance came from his son’s cough medicine and was handed a two-year suspension in 2023.

The report also reveals that CELAD archived the case of Almeria midfielder Yan Eteki after he tested positive for betamethasone. The drug requires a special permit for use, which the club did not have, but CELAD opted not to investigate.

WADA has been working with CELAD over the last 12 months in a bid to improve practices and ensure standards are upheld.