ZURICH/LIMA: Peru midfielder Joel Sánchez has been suspended provisionally by FIFA after testing positive for a banned substance after the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz last October 12.

The player was not named by the world football federation however his identity has emerged in Peru whose federation has until February 6 to submit any relevant statement and documentary evidence.

On being informed that the A sample had proved positive the Peruvian federation asked for the B sample to be checked. This also came up positive for, it is understood, metilhexanamine.

Sanchez, who plays his club football for Universidad San Martín de Porres, has been banned in line with Articles 38ff of FIFA’s anti-doping regulations. By testing positive for a prohibited substance, he is also deemed to have contravened Article 63 of FIFA’s disciplinacy code.

The 23-year-old from Arquipa played previously for Atletico Universidad and Total Chalaco. In 2009 he transferred to top Lima club Alianza fro two seasons. He obtained a free transfer in 2011 after a contract squabble with Alianza which was resolved in his favour by a federation tribunal. Subsequently he signed for Universidad San Martín.

Already a youth international, Sanchez made his senior Peru debut in 2009 as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 defeat by Venezuela in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He was not recalled until the fateful 1-1 draw with Bolivia last October.

Metilhexanamine is sold over the counter in many territories as an aid to weight loss, as a mild stimulant and/or as a nasal decongestant. Increasingly it is being used in nutritional supplements designed to increase energy. Since 2010 it has featured on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Last October baseball player Marcus Stroman, of Toronto Blue Jays, was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for metilhexanamine which is also on the banned list of Major League Baseball.

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