Medellín, Colombia – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has upheld the decision by CONMEBOL to extend the suspension of Colombian midfielder David Loaiza through September 2027, effectively ending the 32-year-traditional’s professional career for the foreseeable future. The case, stemming from a positive doping test in 2023, took a dramatic turn when CONMEBOL alleged Loaiza presented a falsified document in his defense.
The initial positive test came after a Copa Sudamericana playoff match against San Lorenzo de Almagro on July 19, 2023. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Deutsche Sporthochschule in Cologne, Germany, revealed the presence of Furosemide, a prohibited diuretic, in Loaiza’s sample. Furosemide is classified as a masking agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its ability to expedite the elimination of other performance-enhancing substances from the body. The Agencia Mundial Antidopaje includes the substance on its prohibited list.
Loaiza, who played for Independiente Medellín from 2020 until his suspension, was provisionally suspended in September 2023. His last professional appearance was a 1-1 draw between Jaguares and Medellín on September 2, 2023. He was substituted off in the 70th minute. Despite the ongoing investigation, Medellín continued to support Loaiza, even offering him a coaching role within their youth system after CONMEBOL initially ratified the suspension.
The CONMEBOL Disciplinary Commission initially sanctioned Loaiza on February 26, 2024, finding him in violation of articles 6 and 7 of the CONMEBOL Anti-Doping Regulations. These articles address the presence of prohibited substances and the use or attempted use of such substances or methods. Loaiza’s defense centered around the claim that the Furosemide entered his system indirectly. He submitted a receipt for the purchase of Diuremax, a medication used to control blood pressure, dated July 14, 2023, as evidence.
However, CONMEBOL contested the validity of the receipt during Loaiza’s appeal to TAS, which began on April 29, 2024. According to arguments presented to TAS on August 21, 2025, an inquiry with Droguería ZEA, the pharmacy listed on the receipt, revealed discrepancies. The pharmacy’s records indicated the invoice number POS 1060045 corresponded to a purchase made on November 20, 2023, at 5:11 PM – significantly after the date of the doping sample collection. “This demonstrates that the document presented by the player is false,” CONMEBOL asserted.
CONMEBOL further argued that the altered date on the receipt was strategically timed to coincide with the period before the doping sample was taken. The disciplinary body maintained its original decision on December 4, 2024, finding Loaiza guilty of violating article 10 of the Anti-Doping Regulations by submitting a falsified document.
Loaiza’s representatives countered that CONMEBOL did not follow due process in obtaining the information from Droguería ZEA, arguing the request should have been made officially. They also claimed the decision regarding the invoice was based on a WhatsApp photograph provided by the pharmacy. Loaiza ultimately withdrew his appeal on September 3, 2024, but TAS proceeded with its review.
TAS rejected Loaiza’s appeal and ratified the CONMEBOL decision, adding two years to his initial suspension, extending it through September 2027. This effectively concludes the suspension, which began in September 2023.
By the time the suspension ends, Loaiza will be nearing 34 years old and will have spent four years away from professional football. While a return to the professional game seems unlikely, the case draws parallels to that of Daniel Londoño, who successfully resumed his career after a previous doping suspension.
David Loaiza’s career, which included stints with Independiente Medellín and other clubs, has been abruptly halted by this protracted legal battle. The case serves as a stark reminder of the stringent anti-doping regulations in international football and the consequences of violating those rules. The incident also highlights the importance of accurate documentation and the potential pitfalls of relying on evidence that can be challenged.
Loaiza’s future remains uncertain, but the decision by TAS marks a definitive end to this chapter of his career. The focus now shifts to his role within the Independiente Medellín youth system, where he will continue to contribute to the development of young players.
What’s Next: Loaiza will continue his coaching duties with Independiente Medellín’s youth academy. The club has not commented on any potential future playing opportunities for the midfielder.
