HULL CITY star Oscar Zambrano has been banned from football for breaching anti-doping rules.
The Ecuadorian midfielder, 20, is currently on loan at the MKM Stadium from LDU Quito.
However, he was slapped with an immediate suspension on Tuesday – although the player plans to appeal the decision.
Hull confirmed the shock news in a statement.
The club said: “Hull City can confirm that, with immediate effect, CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, has suspended Oscar Zambrano for breaching the anti-doping rules set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the CONMEBOL Anti-Doping Regulations.
“Zambrano and his defence will use their right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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“The Club is not in a position to provide further information at this time.”
The bombshell announcement means Zambrano will be unavailable for Tim Walter’s Tigers when they take on Oxford United tonight.
Zambrano was aware of the threat of a ban as he was investigated by the Ecuadorian FA for an issue that arose following a drugs test in March during his time at LDU Quito.
Addressing the risk earlier in the season, the Ecuador Under-20 international said: “It is an issue that they are resolving and as I say, I believe that, thank God, it is on the right track, and at the end of the day, I am aware that it was not something that was intentional.
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“I know that a lot of people misunderstand it out there, but that’s normal and people can make whatever comments they want, to think what they can, they have every right but inside of me, I know how things were and what really happened. I’m calm, I’m training hard and hoping that I’ll be given the opportunity (to impress).”
Hull owner Acun Ilicali previously vowed to stand by the youngster – after signing him knowing the possibility of a ban loomed.
Ilicali said: “He has an issue, but about this issue, we believe in him.
“He told us his story and his problem is that he’s in danger of getting banned maybe but we think he is innocent.
“He just explained everything to us and that’s the reason we will be able to get him with this budget.
“If anything comes of course, there will not be any damage (to the club) and we will take this risk, so for us, it is okay.”
Zambrano came through the academy at Colorados Jaipadida – the same youth team as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
But it was at LDU Quito where he made his name, progressing into the first team with the Ecuadorian giants.
The youngster had a trial with Ajax and was also wanted by Sao Paulo as well as Colorado Rapids.
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However, he joined Hull on a season-long loan in August for the 2024-25 Championship season.
Zambrano grabbed his first goal and assist for the club in the 4-1 win over Cardiff on September 28.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
