Tottenham Women forward Chioma Ubogagu has been charged with an anti-doping violation and been handed a nine-month suspension.
Ubogagu continued to take the medication, canrenone, to treat a skin condition when she arrived at the Women’s Super League club, without knowing it was prohibited.
Canrenone, a banned substance, had been detected within a urine sample collected during a squad test on October 7 2021 by UK Anti-Doping.
The FA accepted the 29-year-old did not take the medication with a view to intentionally securing an unfair advantage, but she will now not be eligible to play again until October 2022.
A Tottenham statement read: “Chioma was prescribed two forms of medication in the United States from a personal doctor to treat acne before signing for the Club.
“The 29-year-old continued to take the medication to treat her skin condition after she arrived without the knowledge that the medication was prohibited.
“In November 2021, Chioma requested a repeat prescription from the Club doctor who alerted the relevant bodies; the FA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) about the use of a banned substance.
“Both the club and Chioma fully cooperated with the FA and UKAD during the disciplinary process and Chioma has been unavailable for selection since the provisional suspension was imposed in January.”
Ubogagu said she takes full responsibility for the charge and deeply regrets her actions, admitting a lack of knowledge and awareness.
She said: “I am so sorry to my teammates and staff that I can’t be out on the pitch. The club has been fully supportive throughout this entire process, and I am so appreciative of all their help. My faith, family, and close friends have helped me immensely in this difficult time. I am eager to be back soon now that this has been resolved.
“I want to make clear that the medication had no performance-enhancing effects for me, but I still made the mistake of not being as diligent as possible, and as a result I am unable to play the game I love until I serve my suspension. While my dermatologist is aware of my profession, it is also my responsibility to know more about the medications I am prescribed.
“I plan to share my story and educate others on the severity of what can happen, and I hope I can help other athletes avoid situations like mine in the future.”