UEFA bans Israel defender in Champions League doping case
NYON, Switzerland (AP) UEFA says Hapoel Be'er Sheva defender Shir Tzedek is banned for eight months after testing positive for a stimulant at a Champions League qualifying game.
UEFA says the verdict is ''final and binding'' because neither the player nor the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the verdict.
Tzedek reportedly tested positive for the stimulant octopamine after a Champions League playoff game in August against Maribor.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva was eliminated and switched to the Europa League.
Tzedek scored in a 2-1 win over Lugano to begin the Europa League group stage in September, then did not play again in the competition.
The 28-year-old Israel international had his case heard at UEFA in December.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva currently leads the Israeli league.
