One day after his two-year ban due to EPO doping by the DFB sports court, HSV professional Mario Vuskovic spoke up. “I will not let this break me and will fight to the end to prove the truth,” he wrote on Instagram.
The 21-year-old Croatian thanked Hamburger SV, his home club Hajduk Split, the Croatian Football Association and above all the supporters for their support.
“A huge thank you goes out to all my fans who have stood by my side every day and still do to this day,” said the centre-back. “Your messages and your support give me the motivation not to give up and to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.” And addressed to his HSV teammates and the fans, he appealed with a view to the second division game in the evening (6.30 p.m.) at Fortuna Düsseldorf: “Good luck today and let’s get three points.”
The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Thursday that Vuskovic would be banned until November 14, 2024 for EPO doping. The defensive talent denies the doping allegation. He has been suspended since November 15, 2022. With its verdict, however, the sports court stayed below the maximum ban of four years.
Immediately after the sports court decision became known, HSV, in consultation with the player’s lawyers, announced that it would appeal to the DFB Federal Court. The case has evolved into a fundamental dispute over Epo analytics. The National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada) also said it would decide next week whether to appeal.
