Hamburg defender banned until 2026 after losing appeal

Hamburg defender Mario Vuckovic has lost his final appeal against a four-year doping ban. He tested positive for the banned substance erythropoietin in September 2022, which led to him being suspended by the German Football Association for two years. Despite an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to try to prove his innocence, the court ruled to extend the ban for a further two years, keeping him suspended until November 2026. His latest appeal to the Swiss Federal Court was also rejected, reducing his chances of making a comeback before the ban expires. Vuckovic is the first footballer to be banned for taking erythropoietin, making his return to the top flight after such a long period unprecedented. In the meantime, Hamburg remain supportive of their player, with club officials and teammates showing their continued support. While Vuckovic will be allowed to train with the team in September 2026, his future at the club remains uncertain, with a non-sporting role likely in the near future.