RIO DE JANEIRO – Midfielder Deco has tested positive for a banned diuretic in Brazil and says he will appeal the result and that it likely stemmed from contaminated vitamins.
Soccer officials in Rio de Janeiro say the former Chelsea and Portugal playmaker tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic that can help hide performance-enhancing substances. The test came after Fluminense's 2-0 win over Boavista on March 30.
The player's lawyers told local media Tuesday that the positive result likely happened because of contaminated vitamins.
Fluminense says it won't comment until the results of Deco's "B'' sample are released on Friday.
The 35-year-old didn't travel with the club to Ecuador for a Copa Libertadores against Emelec on Thursday.
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