By When it comes to banning players FIFA doesn’t shy away from doing so even if he’s the greatest player or not; if he is found violating the rules, they have to face the consequences by any means. Here are the top 10 players who were banned from competing in FIFA.
- Diego Maradona
We all know Diego Maradona and a bit of his past that is related to his doping addiction. In 1994, during the World Cup in the US, the legendary Argentine footballer was sent home while the tournament was still ongoing after he tested positive for at least five forms of ephedrine, a pep pill strictly banned by FIFA.
Before this happened, Maradona was also banned for fifteen months in 1991 for using cocaine.
- Lionel Messi
The Argentinian forward and former FC Barcelona left-wing Lionel Messi also had to face a 3-month ban after he called out FIFA as “corrupt” following his contentious remark he was sent off during Argentina’s 3rd-place match win over Chile at the Copa America in July 2019.
- Adrian Mutu
Adrian Mutu is regarded as one of the finest players from Romania. Nonetheless, Mutu’s continuous violation of anti-drug guidelines permanently impacted his career. During his period at Chelsea FC, he was found using cocaine and was later slapped with a 7-month ban, hence ceasing his career in 2004 while he was with a London-based club.
Again in 2010, when Mutu was with Fiorentina, the striker was caught using a banned substance called sibutramine in his system. He was then banned for nine months.
- Orlando Galo
Costa Rica midfielder Orlando Galo is in trouble for missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup after the result came out positive for a doping test.
The young player who is a member of Costa Rican club Herediano was found to have hints of AAS (Anabolic Androgenic Steroids) following the national squad’s 2-2 draw with South Korea in Goyang in a friendly playoff in September 2022.
- Luis Suarez
Uruguay star Luis Suarez had to face a four-month suspension after sinking his teeth in the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a match in the World Cup in 2014.
He not only left Chiellini with a bite mark but left the whole crowd astounded by his actions making this incident one of the most unforgettable moments in football history.
- Andre Onana
This is probably one of the most recent cases of a player being banned for disobeying the anti-drug policy that was faced by Andre Onana.
The goalie plays for AFC Ajax and was caught having consumed a pill allegedly prescribed for his wife. Onana faced a twelve-month ban from all footballing events, which could hinder his probable shift to a major European club in the future.
- Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola was still a pro footballer in 2001, and he was faced with a ban for using a banned substance. Guardiola, who plays for the Italian club Brescia, was found using Nandrolone in his system.
The Spanish goalkeeper was slapped with a 4-month ban. However, his charges were dropped after appealing for six years. The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), again reopened the case against the goalie but all charges were subsequently removed in 2009.
- Erick Alejandro
El Salvador forward Erick Alenjadro was found using banned substances and was later slapped with a four-year ban by FIFA after having tested positive for banned substances during qualifying tournaments for the 2022 World Cup.
- Sabri Ali Mohamed
After a 4-0 loss to Algeria, Sabri Ali Mohamed of Djibouti came out positive for a doping test. Mohamed is now suspended for further games until January 11, 2026.
- Roy Keane
Roy Keane was sent home from the Republic of Ireland’s 2002 World Cup team after yelling at his manager Mick McCarthy some harsh words as they geared up for the tournament in Saipan.
It all started with what Keane had said in his interview with the Irish Times. McCarthy accused Keane of faking an injury in a dressing room when Ireland was facing off against Iran in the second leg.
“Mick, you’re a liar … you’re a f***ing w***er,” stated Keane. “I didn’t rate you as a player, I don’t rate you as a manager, and I don’t rate you as a person. You’re a f***ing w***er and you can stick your World Cup up your arse. The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country! You can stick it up your bollocks.”
On May 23, 2022, Keane departed from the Ireland National Team, or should we say he was sent home by the manager after his interview.
