Footballer Denis Cheryshev to be probed after doping allegations
What's the story
FIFA World Cup 2018 star, Denis Cheryshev, is set to be questioned as an investigation has been opened against him regarding doping allegations.
Spain's anti-doping agency will investigate the Russian footballer and will report the conclusion to World Anti-Doping Agency.
This comes after one of the publications had quoted his father saying that he received growth hormone injections while playing for Spanish club Villarreal.
Offence
Growth hormones without medical exemption is punishable offense
Without any medical exemption, the use of growth hormones is regarded as next to doping by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
If Cheryshev is found guilty, he will receive upto 4 years of punishment where he will be banned from the sport.
Interestingly, the Russian player's father has denied the allegations and stated that he has always maintained a clean conscience.
Anti-doping
In contact with WADA: Spanish anti-doping agency
A spokesman for Spain's anti-doping agency AEPSAD told AFP that an investigation has been opened.
He then added that, "The investigation is being carried out in cooperation with Russia's anti-doping agency and in permanent contact with the World Anti-Doping Agency which is aware of the affair and will be informed of the conclusions.
The spokesperson also stated it's too early to draw conclusions.
Belief
Cheryshev believes everything will be alright
Cheryshev, on his part, has denied any wrongdoing and feels that there will be no issues while the investigation is on.
He told Sport Express, "I think we'd better leave this case in the hands of medics, who have done everything right."
Cheryshev became a famous player post his heroics in the FIFA World Cup 2018 where he amassed 4 goals in 5 matches.
Stats
Cheryshev's club career: A look
Cheryshev is currently on loan to Spanish club Valencia.
The former Real Madrid youth product spent a lot of time in their B team.
He switched to Villarreal in 2014 on loan and was snapped up by the club in 2016.
In 90 matches for the club, he managed 11 goals.
This is the winger's second loan spell to Valencia.