Doping ban: ex-Corinthians striker plays amateur football, side out; why | OneFootball

Palestra Novo Itu was eliminated from an amateur tournament in the city due to the participation of forward Léo Jabá, a former Corinthians player. Suspended for doping, the player took the field four times for the team and ended up at the center of a ruling that resulted in the loss of 12 points for the club.

According to ge, the punishment was upheld by the competition’s Disciplinary Committee even after the team filed an appeal. As a result, the team represented by the 27-year-old forward dropped to sixth place in Group B, missing out on the knockout stage.

© Daniel Augusto Jr/Ag. Corinthians

The report explains that the controversy centered on Léo Jabá’s eligibility, as he is still serving a four-year suspension from football imposed by the Anti-Doping Sports Court, in addition to questions about a possible professional link with São Bernardo.

Through its social media, Palestra Novo Itu challenged the decision, claiming that the player was registered within the established deadlines and that the regulations do not prohibit the participation of players punished for doping. In a statement, the club’s board said it considers the punishment unfair, questioned how the disciplinary process was handled, and informed that it is already studying measures against the Itu League.

Read Palestra Novo Itu’s full statement below:

“We are being treated unfairly! We followed what is in the regulations, did everything within the stipulated deadlines, and even so, we are being punished for something never before seen in amateur football. Palestra Novo Itu F.C. has always taken the field with respect, transparency, and commitment to football. Our history was built through struggle, honesty, and love for the shirt.

We are not here to create controversy, but to defend what we believe is fair. Amateur football has always been decided on the field, with grit, sweat, and the ball rolling. We will keep our heads high, united and stronger than ever. Because those who know our journey know the seriousness of our work”.

The case caused a stir among members of the region’s amateur football scene, since the player had taken part in amateur competitions in other cities without any record of a similar case.

Understand the case

Léo Jabá was suspended for four years by the Anti-Doping Sports Court after testing positive for two substances in an anti-doping test carried out after the match between São Bernardo and Corinthians, valid for the 8th round of the 2025 Paulista Championship.

Developed at Corinthians, the forward played in 19 matches between 2016 and 2017.

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