A player with matches for FCSB, Farul, or Dinamo has been tested positive for a banned substance.
He is Cosmin Matei (32 years old), a football player at Sepsi Sf. Gheorghe, who was tested positive after the defeat suffered by the Covasna team on their own field against Universitatea Craiova, 1-3.
According to sportpesurse.ro, Cosmin Matei tested positive following a doping control conducted after the match between Sepsi and Universitatea Craiova, on February 4th. The banned substance detected in the samples collected from the football player is 5-methylhexan-2-amine, a substance listed as prohibited on the agency's website under the stimulants section.
It is found in the composition of pure geranium essential oil, being an extract from the root of muscat. "This type of element translates into a short-term stimulant, providing an extra boost of speed, energy, and muscle tone," explained ANAD sources, as cited.
It appears that the substance does not require a provisional suspension, which is why Cosmin Matei was able to continue playing. He reacted and stated that he was amazed when he found out that the result of the doping test he underwent came back positive.
"I was very surprised. I am amazed! I don't even know what to say. And I don't want to talk right now. Please understand me!
"There is an ongoing investigation. I really want to find out what happened, actually. And where this substance came from. I was ill during that period. I took several supplements, medications, but we'll see what the tests will indicate," declared Cosmin Matei.
The football player risks a suspension of up to 4 years if it is proven that he knowingly doped.
Cosmin Matei, who has played for Farul, FCSB, Dinamo, Astra, and Sepsi in Romania during his career, has accumulated 33 matches (2045 minutes) in all competitions of the current season, during which he scored seven times and provided six assists for Sepsi.