Bambo Diaby "devastated" at two-year ban as defender leaves Barnsley FC

BARNSLEY have terminated the contract of defender Bambo Diaby by mutual consent after his suspension from all football and football-related activity for two years following a breach of the Football Association's anti-doping regulations.
Bambo Diaby. Picture: PA.Bambo Diaby. Picture: PA.
Bambo Diaby. Picture: PA.

The centre-half, 22, who joined the club from Belgian outfit Lokeren on a four-year deal in the summer of 2019, had been suspended from first-team duties since January while the Football Association investigated reports that he failed a drugs test following the Reds' defeat at Blackburn Rovers last November.

Diaby contested a subsequent charge of consuming the prohibited substance of Higenamine - an ingredient in sports and weight loss dietary supplements.

But the FA have now imposed a two-year ban.

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An FA statement read: "Bambo Diaby has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for two years following a breach of The FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations.

"The Barnsley FC defender provided an in-competition urine sample to The FA and UK Anti-Doping officials on 23 November 2019 that was found to contain Higenamine once analysed.

The World Anti-Doping Agency classifies Higenamine as a prohibited substance at all times and he was subsequently charged by The FA for a breach of its Anti-Doping Regulations.

"While Bambo Diaby admitted the charge, he did not establish how the Higenamine entered his system. As such, an independent Regulatory Commission imposed the mandatory two-year ban.

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"The suspension is effective from the date of the player’s provisional suspension on 17 January 2020 and will run up to and including 16 January 2022.

Meanwhile, Diaby has penned a letter to the club's supporters via the Reds wise and expressed his 'devastation' at the news.

It read: "It is with great sadness in my heart that I write this message to the Barnsley FC supporters.

"I am devastated with the news that I have received which means I cannot return to play football until 2022. This has been such a long process, but I had remained upbeat and inspired by the support and backing from the club. They supported me from day one of my charge and I am so grateful for that.

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"I have been inundated with messages of support from Reds fans throughout this ordeal and you will never appreciate just how much this meant to me during a difficult time.

"From my first moment at this great club, I was welcomed with open arms by staff, players and the whole community of Barnsley. I made this place my home and was looking forward to many years playing for the town and its people.

"There were ups and downs last season but I always felt the fans were with us, even in the tough times. Thank you for that.

"I maintain my innocence, something the FA have acknowledged themselves but I must handle this decision with my family and look forward to a brighter future. And you never know what may happen. I will never give in on one day pulling that shirt back on.

"Thank you all, and be safe."