Cancer-hit Sassuolo suspended over drug

A banned substance in a cancer-fighting drug has caused Italian footballer Francesco Acerbi to be suspended from his first-division club Sassuolo.

Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi during a match

A banned substance in a cancer drug has caused Italian footballer Francesco Acerbi to be suspended. (AAP)

Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi was suspended by the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) on Friday after testing positive for a banned substance he was taking to treat testicular cancer.

Acerbi, who was once called up to the Italy squad in 2012 by coach Ceasre Prandelli, will not be able to play against Juventus on Sunday.

The former AC Milan player tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by pregnant women, following Sassuolo's 2-2 draw at Cagliari on December 1.

Acerbi was operated on for testicular cancer in July but according to the national anti-doping tribunal (TNA), he does not have a Theraputic Use Exemption (TUE) to take the substance.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world