Spain’s anti-doping agency on Wednesday informed that it has opened up an investigation on Russian World Cup star Denis Cheryshev, reported AFP.
The 27-year-old, who plays for Spanish side Valencia on loan from parent club Villarreal will undergo the tests after his father Dmitri Cheryshev was quoted by a Russian publication that his son had received growth hormone injections, while he was at Villarreal, reported the news agency.
Dmitri was reported to have said so in 2017 but has since then declined such claims alleging that his words were twisted by the Russian media.
“An investigation has been opened to get more information regarding the case,” a spokesperson for Spain’s anti-doping agency AEPSAD told AFP.
“The investigation is being carried out in cooperation with Russia’s anti-doping agency and in permanent contact with World Anti-Doping Agency which is aware of the affair and will be informed of the conclusions,” the spokesperson added.
The use of growth hormones without a medical examination is considered to be doping and can sanction the offender with a ban of up to four years.
Meanwhile, the player, who joined Valencia on a season long-loan has declined any such wrongdoing.
He told Russia sports daily Sport-Express that “On my side, everything has been honest and I think there will be no problem. I think we’d better leave this case in the hands of the medics, who have done everything right.”
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