Footballer Ebrahim's name cleared in doping scandal

Dubai: Former UAE and Ajman Club player Sameer Ebrahim has been cleared by the National Anti-Doping Office (Nado) of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW) to play again.

In a letter dated September 1, 2010 and signed by Dr Ahmad Al Hashemi, Chairman of Nado, Ebrahim, 32, was informed he could continue his career as a professional footballer.

Dr Ahmad Al Hashemi, Chairman, Nado confirmed the recent ruling from WADA.

"The case involving Sameer Ebrahim is now closed and as stated in our communication, the player is free to play for any club and in any competition," Dr Al Hashemi told Gulf News.

Banned substance

"We hold nothing against the player and we did our best to sort his name out. We always tried our best to help the player," he added.

Last year, tests carried out on Sample A in a Malaysian laboratory confirmed the presence of the banned substance Norandrosterone in Ebrahim's urine, while Sample B that was subsequently dispatched to the same laboratory came up with similar results.

Ebrahim was randomly tested following Ajman Club's home match Emirates Club, Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE Football League (UFL) in December, 2009.

Nado slapped a two-year ban on the player that was supposed to run till December 5, 2011.

However, further tests in German Sport University in Colon proved the samples were normal.

"We are now looking at a club for him to continue his professional career," Jassem Al Sayed of Stallion Goal Football, the legal counsel for Ebrahim, told Gulf News.