Rio de Janeiro, March 17 (IANS): Fluminense forward Michael has had a doping ban extended until August in a new ruling handed down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Monday's decision followed an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against terms of a 16-month penalty issued to Michael last May for cocaine use. Under the original ruling, Michael was allowed to resume playing for Fluminense in January with the proviso he gave regular drug tests and educated young players about the dangers of drugs, reports Xinhua.
Fluminense on Monday stated that it had struck a deal with WADA officials, who had sought to extend the ban until May 2016. According to the Rio de Janeiro club, the sentence reflected Michael's voluntary suspension before CAS' initial decision and delays to schedule a hearing for the case.
"Michael continues to be a squad member at Fluminense, training normally which was also part of the agreement. In September, he will return to play in the Brazilian championship," Fluminense said.