Mexican Goalkeeper Mariana Bernal Sánchez Accepts 3-Year Suspension After Positive Doping Test
Mexican women’s national team goalkeeper Mariana Bernal Sánchez has accepted a three-year suspension following a positive doping test, according to the Mexican Football Federation (FMF). The decision, announced on April 5, 2025, marks the latest in a series of high-profile anti-doping cases involving Mexican athletes. Bernal Sánchez, 28, tested positive for a banned substance in a routine out-of-competition test conducted in December 2024, though the specific compound has not been publicly disclosed.
What Happened?
Bernal Sánchez, who has been a key figure in the Mexican national team since 2018, tested positive for a prohibited substance during a sample collection on December 14, 2024, the FMF confirmed in a press release. The federation stated that the substance was detected in her urine sample and classified as a “performance-enhancing drug” under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. The exact name of the substance remains undisclosed, but the FMF cited “medical confidentiality” as the reason for the omission.
The suspension, which takes effect immediately, prohibits Bernal Sánchez from participating in any competitive football activities for three years. She has not publicly commented on the decision, though her legal representatives issued a brief statement expressing “disappointment” with the outcome. “Mariana has always adhered to the rules and values of the sport,” the statement read. “We are reviewing the evidence and considering all legal options.”
Why It Matters Now
The case has drawn attention due to its implications for Mexican football’s anti-doping efforts. In recent years, the FMF has faced scrutiny over its handling of doping violations, including the 2022 suspension of forward Adriana López for a similar offense. Bernal Sánchez’s case comes amid heightened global focus on drug use in women’s sports, with organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA emphasizing stricter enforcement of anti-doping regulations.
For the Mexican national team, the loss of Bernal Sánchez—known for her composure and leadership—could disrupt preparations for the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup. The team’s current goalkeeper, Alejandra Valencia, has already been called up to the senior squad, but Bernal Sánchez’s absence may force a reevaluation of the squad’s depth. “This is a significant blow to our defensive line,” said FMF technical director Guillermo Vázquez. “We’ll need to adapt quickly to maintain our competitive edge.”
What’s Next?
Bernal Sánchez has 21 days from the date of the FMF’s decision to appeal the suspension. If she chooses not to appeal, the ban will be final. The FMF has not indicated whether the case will be referred to WADA for further review, but the organization has previously worked closely with the agency on high-profile doping cases.
The suspension also raises questions about the role of medical professionals in athlete care. Bernal Sánchez’s legal team has not yet addressed whether the positive test resulted from a prescribed medication or an inadvertent exposure. WADA guidelines allow for therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs) in certain cases, but the FMF has not confirmed whether Bernal Sánchez applied for such an exemption.
Historical Context
This is not the first time a Mexican athlete has faced a lengthy suspension for a doping violation. In 2021, sprinter Evelyn López received a two-year ban for testosterone use, while weightlifter José Martínez was suspended for 18 months in 2023. These cases have prompted calls for greater transparency in the FMF’s disciplinary processes.
Bernal Sánchez’s situation also highlights the challenges of anti-doping enforcement in sports with limited resources. A 2024 report by the Latin American Anti-Doping Organization (OLAD) found that Mexico conducts fewer drug tests per athlete than many other nations in the region, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current protocols. “We need to invest more in testing and education,” said OLAD spokesperson María Fernández. “This isn’t just about punishment—it’s about prevention.”
How to Follow
Updates on Bernal Sánchez’s potential appeal will be released by the FMF, which has a dedicated anti-doping website at www.fmf.mx/antidoping. Fans can also track the Mexican national team’s upcoming matches on the FMF’s official platform or through live-streaming services like ESPN+.
For those interested in the broader implications of the case, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s website (www.wada-ama.org) provides detailed information on prohibited substances and the appeals process.
As the football world awaits further developments, Bernal Sánchez’s case
