The Real Sociedad doping scandal took some more twists and turns today as Italian giants AC Milan have now been linked to Spanish doping doctor Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes.
After yesterday’s revelations by former Real Sociedad president Inaki Badiola that players had been involved with doping practices, Real Sociedad issued a press release denying this saying that in 2008 they were ‘immersed in bankruptcy proceedings and therefore operated under administrative justice control’.
“Therefore, all information of an economic nature was received under the corresponding control of the judicial institution,” read the statement from the club. “This information does not derive the facts described by the media [on Monday].
“Since the current board assumed responsibility for managing the club, they can ensure that there has been no malpractice.”
Real also made clear that no-one linked to the club has been called up by investigators looking at Dr Eufemiano Fuentes, who is currently on trial for doping offences and who Badiola suggested was linked to the Basque outfit, supplying club doctors with doping materials.
“Real consider it lamentable that, after passing through the bankruptcy process, having achieved promotion to the Primera Division and having reached economic and sporting stability, that the club is involved in a series of reports affecting its good name.”
But this story has legs because Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes s currently on trial in Spain for crimes against public health. He was Tyler Hamilton’s doping doctor.
According to a document published today by Spanish newspaper AS, the word ‘Milan’ as well as ‘Rsoc’ and ‘Alberto’ were atop a piece of paper seized by authorities.
‘Milan’ could well refer to the city or the first name of several players around the world as Rsoc could refer to Real Socieded and Alberto to Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador.
AC Milan deny that they have been involved in any doping of their players, but as the Fuentes trail drags on, I expect to hear more speculation that football players and/or clubs were involved in doping.
