Cosmin Matei suspended 9 months for doping

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued a final decision suspending Cosmin Matei, captain of the Romanian football club Sepsi OSK, for nine months due to a doping violation. The sanction follows a long legal process that began in February 2024 when Matei tested positive for 5-methylhexan-2-amine, a prohibited stimulant. While the National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD) initially issued a six-month ban that was later overturned by an appeals commission, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) successfully appealed the reversal to CAS, resulting in the nine-month penalty.

Matei has already served one month of the suspension. As a result of the ruling, he is prohibited from participating in team training sessions, accessing the locker room, or interacting with teammates and officials on the training ground. Sepsi OSK expressed deep regret over the situation, noting that Matei is a key player and leader, but reaffirmed the club's commitment to clean sport and support for the player.

Sepsi coach Ovidiu Burcă described the decision as a blow to the team, noting that Matei's absence is a significant loss during a critical period. Club owner Laszlo Dioszegi also commented on the timing of the decision, while emphasizing the team's determination to move forward despite the setback.