Just before HSV comeback: Vuskovic back in prosecutors' sights | OneFootball

November 15, 2026, is marked in bold on HSV’s calendar. On that day, the four-year ban of Mario Vuskovic ends, allowing him to take part in official competition again.

Those in charge have repeatedly signaled that they still plan to rely on the Croatian and want to keep a spot in the squad open for him. However, the doping affair now appears to be taking a new legal turn. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, the Hamburg public prosecutor’s office has reopened its investigation into the 24-year-old. New lines of inquiry have reportedly emerged that had not played a role before. However, the authority did not comment on the specific background.

It had already become known beforehand that Vuskovic let pass a possible dismissal of the proceedings in exchange for paying a financial penalty. The defender would reportedly have had to pay a mid-five-figure sum, but decided against it. Vuskovic continues to stick to his account that he did not engage in doping.

Since the positive EPO test became known, the former HSV professional has been fighting the allegations. As part of his defense, he had scientific expert opinions prepared, among other things, and tried to cast doubt on the reliability of the test result. In the end, however, the Court of Arbitration for Sport followed the assessment of the World Anti-Doping Agency and upheld the four-year ban.

Photo: IMAGO

Is the HSV comeback now in doubt?

What remains unclear now is what impact the new investigation will have. Once the proceedings are concluded, the public prosecutor’s office could either close the investigation or file charges. However, the requirements for a criminal conviction are significantly higher than in sports law.

Regardless, HSV is sticking to its plans for now. While the legal process continues, Vuskovic is to be gradually reintegrated into the team. He will already be allowed to return to team training in September. After four long years, his comeback could then follow in November.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.