Spurs' Chioma Ubogagu reveals details of acne medication doping ban

Tottenham Hotspur forward Chioma Ubogagu has revealed the details of a nine-month ban she was issued following an anti-doping violation.

The England international was tested by UK Anti-Doping in October 2021 and her sample contained the banned substance canrenone, which originated from the player’s prescribed acne medication.

The substance is not a performance-enhancer, but is classed as a diuretic, which “can be used to mask other substances.”

Ubogagu, who joined Spurs from Real Madrid in July 2021, will not be eligible to compete again until October 2022.

The 29-year-old has shed light on the “complex” reality of the situation through an open and honest submission to The Players’ Tribune.

“If you’ve read the FA statement, maybe you’ve already made up your own mind about my situation,” she started. “I’m a pretty open-minded person, but I know I probably would have too. It’s just that word ‘doping’. It’s so definitive, right? It’s synonymous with steroids, cheating, trying to get an athletic advantage.

“But that’s not me.”

Ubogagu explained that she was totally unaware her acne medication was classed as a banned substance in the UK.

Prior to her move to Tottenham, the former Arsenal player had spent several years in the United States, where she competed for NWSL sides Houston Dash and Orlando Pride. During her time in the States, she visited a dermatologist who prescribed her with treatment for her skin condition, which is something she admits she has struggled with since she was a teenager.

Ubogagu explained that she continues to suffer with acne in her adult years and it often becomes problematic during stressful situations or changes in environment.

Ahead of her move back to England last summer, she went to see her