Terbutaline in cough syrup behind Subrata Pal’s dope test failure

Thirty-year-old Pal, who did not seem to have obtained a Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) for the particular banned substance, was tested during a National camp in Mumbai on March 18.

It is unsure if Subrata Pal will be available for DSK Shivajians’ final I-League game of the season.

Arjuna award winner and Indian national team goalkeeper Subrata Pal has failed in a dope test conducted by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Mumbai when the Indian men’s football team were going to Cambodia for a friendly match in February.

The ‘keeper, who plays for DSK Shivajians in the I-League, has been found guilty of having Terbutaline Beta-2 Agonist, a common drug for breathing related diseases, in his sample. Terbutaline features on WADA’s list of prohibited drugs, except when administered by inhalation and a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) has been obtained in advance.

Thirty-year-old Pal, who did not seem to have obtained a Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) for the particular banned substance, was tested during a National camp in Mumbai on March 18.

However, Pal has not been served any provisional suspension. “The provisional suspension has not been served because it is a specified substance. In such cases a mandatory (provisional) suspension is not called for,” said Agarwal.

In such a scenario, Pal, who plays for DSK Shivajians in the I-League, can continue to play.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is confident that the ‘keeper will come out clean and will be part of the squad that plays in the Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyz Republic in June.

The sources also confirmed that AIFF will adhere to whatever decision WADA takes on the case, though, it is hopeful that a testing of B sample would not be required, considering the footballer had already informed about the use of the cough syrup.