TheCable

The Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reduced the doping ban on Austin Oladapo, Enyimba captain, from one year to six months.

The ruling was contained in a statement shared with TheCable on Thursday.

TheCable had reported on July 26 that the midfielder tested positive for the prohibited substance prednisolone/prednisone. He was then banned for one year.

The initial ruling meant Oladapo ought to stay away from all football-related activities until July 2022.

Enyimba had also thrown its weight behind its captain, arguing that the drug test might have been compromised by the preventive COVID-specific treatment that the player was using about the time he was tested.

The club added that the ban would be appealed.

However, due to the appeal, the midfielder has now been cleared to return in January 2022.

“According to the latest ruling, Oladapo’s initial ban was halved, which means he can return to football activities by January 4, 2022,” the statement read.

“Having reviewed all of the above and after holding the meeting and hearing the lawyer of player, the Appeal Board decides: The Appeal submitted by the player Oladapo Augustine is admissible.

“The Board has decided to reduce the sanction of player Oladapo Augustine from one year to six (6) months.

“Therefore, the player Oladapo Augustine is suspended from taking part in any football-related activities until January 4, 2022.”