FERDINANDO APAP HANDED THREE-MONTH BAN AFTER POSITIVE DOPING TEST

Former Malta international and Victoria Hotspurs defender Ferdinando Apap has been suspended for three months after testing positive for cocaine in an anti-doping test carried out by Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AiMS).

According to a report by Newsbook Malta, the test was conducted following the FA Trophy clash between Victoria Hotspurs FC and Ħamrun Spartans on January 3, which the Gozitan side lost 5-0. Traces of cocaine were found in Apap’s system, rendering him ineligible to play. The findings were also communicated to FIFA and UEFA.

Apap initially contested the result but later provided evidence that the substance was consumed socially and out of competition, not to enhance performance. AiMS accepted his explanation through its results management process, imposing a mandatory three-month suspension. The ban may be reduced to one month if he completes a Substance Abuse Treatment Programme offered by Aġenzija Sedqa.

Apap began serving his suspension last weekend and missed Victoria Hotspurs’ league fixture against Attard.

#MaltaDaily