Nikola Portner can breathe. The steering committee of the Handball Bundesliga acquitted the goalkeeper of the Swiss team and SC Magdeburg on suspicion of doping after a positive test for methamphetamine.
IMAGO
The 30-year-old from Bern, who has always maintained his innocence since the start of this affair last April, sees his provisional suspension lifted with immediate effect.
In the league’s official press release, we can read in particular that the quantity of methamphetamine detected in Portner’s body was very small. “An active intake and performance-enhancing effect can be excluded. It is not possible to assume intentional taking, nor negligent taking,” it is written.
“Involuntary contamination”
Thus, it is “by far the most likely” that it is an “unintentional contamination by an alternative route presented conclusively by the athlete”. The hair and urine samples provided also reportedly confirmed this.
“In addition, the journey and lifestyle habits presented by the athlete and confirmed by numerous people accompanying him make the intentional consumption of doping products very unlikely,” the press release continues.
“In this context, the Bundesliga board considers that it is largely likely that there is neither intention nor fault on the part of the athlete.” The decision in favor of Portner was reportedly made unanimously.
However, the Bernese is not yet completely out of the woods. Germany’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) said it would review the decision and the reasons, and may decide whether to appeal.
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