Tottenham Women's Chioma Ubogagu accepts nine-month doping ban | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur Women have confirmed that Chioma Ubogagu has accepted a nine-month suspension after being charged with an anti-doping violation.

Before signing for Spurs, Ubogagu was prescribed two forms of medication to treat acne from a personal doctor in the United States.

The 29-year-old continued to take the medication after arriving in England without knowing it was prohibited under UK anti-doping regulations.

In November 2021 she requested a repeat prescription from the club doctor, who then alerted the FA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) about the use of a banned substance.

The FA accepts that the forward did not take the medication, spironolactone, with a view to intentionally securing an illegal advantage. Both club and player have fully co-operated with the authorities during the disciplinary process, with Ubogagu being made unavailable for selection since the provisional suspension was imposed in January.

“I am so sorry to my team-mates and staff that I can’t be out on the pitch,” Ubogagu said in a statement released via the club’s official website.

“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.”

Ubogagu will now be unable to play for Tottenham until her suspension expires in October 2022.