Report: Nasri could face 4-year ban for anti-doping violation
If Samir Nasri is found guilty of breaking anti-doping regulations over the use of intravenous therapy, the on-loan Sevilla midfielder could face a ban from football for up to four years, according to the Independent's Ian Herbert.
Though the likelihood of such punishment is remote, Nasri's visit to a Los Angeles clinic has piqued the suspicions of Spain's anti-doping authorities, who have since launched an investigation into the matter.
A tweet published by the "Drip Doctors" on Dec. 27 claimed it had treated Nasri with a "concierge Immunity IV Drip to keep him hydrated and in top shape during the busy soccer season with Sevilla."
The public announcement led to a series of explicit tweets from Nasri's Twitter account, which was reportedly hacked by an ex-girlfriend.
The 29-year-old subsequently deleted his account.
Several questions remain unanswered, most importantly whether Nasri had any malicious intent.
Related: Nasri in doping probe after Twitter hack leads to string of sex posts
Herbert notes the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is also following the case closely because IV infusions in quantities of more than 50 millilitres every six hours is prohibited. The practice is strictly monitored to ensure athletes don't use IV treatment to hide the administration of other performance-enhancing drugs.
WADA spokesman Ben Nichols told the Independent it's important for authorities to complete the investigation "as quickly as possible and in as much detail as possible, because the longer the period between the incident and the investigation, the greater the risk that certain evidence may no longer exist."
The Immunity Drip, as described on the clinic's website, contains vitamins C, B, Lysine, and Zinc, "combined with specially formulated nutrients to help combat superbugs and common viruses."
Sevilla is confident Nasri's name will be cleared, according to Herbert.
The Frenchman is currently playing for the Andalusian club on a season-long loan from Manchester City. He's allowed to continue first-team football activities while authorities conduct their investigation.
Sevilla travels to Real Sociedad on Saturday to resume the La Liga season.