English Premier LeagueCAS reduced Andre Onana’s suspension
Post image

Arsenal’s transfer target for Andre Onana has been reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

 

The ban reduced by three months

The Ajax goalkeeper was banned for a year by UEFA in February after testing positive for Furosemide after an out-of-competition test. But he has always claimed to have accidentally taken the medication that was prescribed to his wife and started an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week. Now the verdict has been announced, and the term of the ban has been reduced by three months.

Due to the timing of the suspension, Andre has not even been able to train with Ajax since February and has been working on his fitness with a personal trainer at local sites in Amsterdam. He will be allowed to resume competitive training two months before the end of his ban, so the appeal verdict means he will be able to start training with his team again from September 3. And this significantly raises the prospect of the summer transfer, as it will be available for selection from November 3 onwards.

A three-man group from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which heard Andre’s appeal, found that UEFA’s original 12-month suspension was disproportionate and excessive. Andre Onana explained that Furosemide was found in his body due to the mistake of his wife, who inadvertently put her pills in a football player’s medicine box. Andre’s wife had a drug that is not considered a performance-enhancing drug because she was pregnant and was prescribed by a doctor.

 

Arsenal’s interest in Andre Onana

Arsenal are now expected to increase their interest in Andre Onana. The Gunners’ interest in Andre dates back to January, when contact was made between the North London club and the player’s representatives. Financial issues prevented Arsenal from closing the deal, with the club opting to sign Mat Ryan on loan from Brighton, but the club has since remained in regular contact with Andre’s representatives. Negotiations with Ajax over a guardian fee are now expected to speed up, with the Dutch giants ready to cash in on a player that will be available on a free transfer next summer. Arsenal believes the £ 7m offer may be enough to entice the Eredivisie champions to go into business.