Footballer Hildeberto Jose Morgado Pereira”Berto”, tested positive in an anti-doping control carried out on September 6, risks a huge suspension. The information was obtained by Agerpres after a press release from the National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD). According to ANAD, the fate of the footballer, who has already terminated his contract with Cluj University, now depends on sample B. This is after the first test was positive for furosemide consumption.
Berto. PHOTO: Platform X
“According to legal procedures and international anti-doping regulations, within 10 days of receiving the notification, the athlete has the right to analyze sample B, which is currently at the Doping Control Laboratory in Bucharest, accredited by AMA/WADA. This additional analysis is essential to confirm the initial result of sample A. If sample B confirms the presence of furosemide, legal proceedings will continue, during which the athlete will present his point of view and any relevant evidence in his defense. In the event that the athlete is found to have violated anti-doping regulations, the sanction of suspension from sports activity for a period of 4 years may be applied, as provided in art. 86 para. 1 lit. b) (when the anti-doping regulation violation involves a specific substance or specific method, and ANAD can prove that it was committed with intent) from Law no. 310/2021 on the prevention and combating of doping in sports, with the possibility of eliminating, reducing or freezing the sanction, in accordance with Articles 93, 94 or 99“, the quoted statement states.
At the same time, in the event that ANAD will not be able to prove the athlete’s intention regarding the violation of anti-doping regulations, the suspension period can be reduced to 2 years, pursuant to art. 86 para. (1) lit. c) from Law no. 310/2021. Also, art. 94 lit. a) from Law no. 310/2021 provides that, in the case of a specific substance, such as furosemide, if the athlete can demonstrate that the use of the substance was not intended to improve sports performance or obtain a competitive advantage, the sanction will be in the form of a reprimand and without a suspension period, until to a maximum of 2 years of suspension, depending on the degree of guilt of the athlete or another person.
ANAD informs that the footballer Hildeberto Jose Morgado Pereira, registered at AS FC Universitatea Cluj, was notified of a positive analytical result for the prohibited substance furosemide, following an anti-doping test carried out on September 6, 2024, outside the competition.
The substance furosemide is a prohibited diuretic and masking agent, included in section S5 of the 2024 Prohibited List, according to the regulations established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (AMA/WADA) and approved in Romania by the Order of the ANAD President. This substance is prohibited both in competition and out of competition, as it can mask the presence of other doping substances.
The use of diuretics without holding a SUT is prohibited at all times and in any concentration, because diuretics can be used (a) to mask the presence of other prohibited substances in the urine; and/or (b) to artificially induce weight loss in sports/disciplines where athletes must meet weight criteria.
The President of ANAD, Ştefan Rohnean, declared that the institution he leads will strictly comply with all procedures established by national and international legislation in this case.
“ANAD maintains its firm commitment to ensuring integrity in sport and respecting a clean and fair sport. In this case, we will comply with all procedures established by national legislation and international regulations, and the athlete has the right to all protective measures provided for in these proceduresRohnean said.
ANAD emphasizes the importance of anti-doping prevention and education, constantly conducting information and awareness programs for athletes and their support staff, including regarding the risks associated with the use of prohibited substances. The agency reiterates that any violation of anti-doping regulations can have serious consequences on the career of athletes and the credibility of sports competitions. All the athlete’s rights will be respected during the whole process, and the information will be managed with confidentiality and professionalism, in accordance with the legislation in force.
Berto, who terminated his contract with the University, has played 7 games for “U” and scored a goal this season.
This is the second doping case in the Super League in the last two years.
Cosmin Matei (Sepsi OSK) was tested positive in an anti-doping test after the match with Craiova University, from the 24th stage of the last regular season of the football Superleague. In the match against the University of Sfântu Gheorghe, won by the Craiova 3-1, on February 4, Cosmin Matei was a full-time player for Sepsi OSK.
The National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD) confirmed, on March 18, the positive test with methylhexanamine of footballer Cosmin Matei (Sepsi OSK Sfântu Gheorghe). In August, ANAD suspended him for six months, but the player appealed and currently has the right to play for Sepsi OSK.
