Doping problems in Russian sports, which once untied the hands of the World Anti-Doping Agency in the matter of punishing our athletes, hardly affected football. Although, on the eve of the home World Cup, information about the problems of individual players appeared in the press every now and then, it did not reach any serious sanctions.

Already after the world championship, WADA fully recouped one Russian football player, who was punished for a long-standing violation. And after the end of the disqualification was removed again.

And yet, after all the misadventures, Vladimir returns.

“I can play 30 minutes”

Russian striker Vladimir Obukhov, suspended for a doping violation, returns to big football. In the official match, he will be able to play no earlier than December 17, but he will be able to start training as part of the team on October 17. The player will not have to look for a new club this time – the player is expected in Orenburg.

– I now train individually. So I keep it pretty normal. Not peak, of course. But in good shape. I can definitely win back 30 minutes, – the forward said in an interview with RB Sport.

Vladimir Obukhov / Photo: © FC Rostov

Whether the player will be able to gain a foothold in Orenburg, which plays well in the RPL even in the absence of a forward, is unknown. At the winter training camp, Obukhov will have a chance to show himself, but no one is ready to guarantee him a place in the team. For the 30-year-old striker, this may be the last chance to prove himself at the level of the Premier League – part of Vladimir’s career was spoiled by punishment for an old sin.

“Convincing Evidence”

In March 2013, Obukhov, who was at the disposal of the Russian youth team, passed the ill-fated doping test, which much later had a negative impact on his career. Nine and a half years ago, nothing suspicious was found in the Torpedo player, who belonged to Spartak. However, later, when the factor of Grigory Rodchenkov appeared in the life of Russian sports, the problem was exposed.

Photo: © FC Torpedo

In October 2017, Rodchenkov handed over a copy of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory (LIMS) database to WADA. The close interest of the organization in Russian football players could be explained at that moment by the planned World Cup in our country. Shortly before the 2018 World Cup, lists with representatives of our football really popped up in the media in the context of doping problems, but even then Obukhov was somehow overlooked.

The clouds over the player only gathered in 2021, when FIFA, after reviewing the information provided by WADA, came to the conclusion that Obukhov’s old test was not clean. It turned out that methandienone was found in the analyzes. To exacerbate the situation, they tried to hide the presence of a prohibited substance.

“There is strong evidence that attempts were made to cover up an adverse test result (AAF) using the “alternative methodology for the disappearance of positive doping tests” (alternative DPM), as well as to get rid of traces of this cover-up,” Alexander RFU Secretary General Alexander received such a message from FIFA Alaev.

Without football

Vladimir risked being left without football for four years, which in fact could mean a premature end to his career for him. But in the end, the player was punished with a six-month disqualification. However, the negative moments did not end with one suspension – Rostov terminated the contract with the forward, not wanting to have anything to do with the unsightly situation.

– The news from FIFA was a big shock for me. Neither then in 2013, nor later did I hear anything about the positive result of my test, and even more so did not ask anyone to carry out any manipulations. Throughout my career, I have been attentive to the medicines that I use. But, unfortunately, far from always the athlete has the opportunity to check what the doctor gives him, ”Obukhov quoted Match TV.

The football player did not argue with FIFA, expressed his willingness to cooperate, partly for this reason, the punishment was not of the greatest severity. After serving his sentence for a past oversight, Vladimir signed a contract with Orenburg, helped the team rise to the Premier League, but then again remained out of football.

WADA considered that the violator was treated too softly – an appeal was filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which he satisfied. As a result of these mockeries from the World Anti-Doping Agency, Obukhov was out of action for another six months. True, this time the club did not disown the player, leaving him the opportunity to return. Now it remains for Vladimir to get in shape with redoubled energy and prove that after all the misadventures he can still be useful in the Premier League.