Rumours of failed dope test mount over Nani’s exit from World Cup

Unfounded rumours are claiming that Portugal winger Nani, who has been ruled out of the out of the World Cup with a collar bone injury, was sent home after he failed a random dope test.

The allegations grew to such an extent that the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) and the country’s anti-doping authority have been forced to put out strenuous denials.

“Nani was indeed injured. He fell badly in training and injured himself,” News of The World quoted Amandio de Carvalho, PFF vice-president, as saying.

“There’s no intention to hide anything. There’s no need for an operation. He just needs time to recover. He can stay with us during the World Cup, if he wants,” he added.

Meanwhile, head of anti-doping in Portugal, Luis Horta, said that the rumours going around are without foundation.

“At least, with the controls carried out at the anti-doping authority in Portugal there exists no problem,” Horta said.

“Urine and blood samples were collected randomly. As far as we know, it all went well,” he added.

Nani picked up the injury on June 4 while training in Lisbon, before flying to South Africa.

“After tests we conclude he is unfit to participate in the World Cup,” a team statement said.

The 23-year-old, who scored three goals in 11 appearances during qualification, has been replaced by midfielder Ruben Amorim.