Hamburger SV is considering using professional footballer Mario Vuskovic, who has been banned for doping, in small-field formats such as the Baller League. “We have a clear plan for the boy to come back,” said coach Steffen Baumgart after the northern Germans’ 5-0 (2-0) win in the second division against Jahn Regensburg.
If there is a possibility to keep the Croatian on the ball, “then we will see if it is possible,” said Baumgart. “But that is up to him to decide.” The 22-year-old is “ambitious.”
Vuskovic banned until 2026
At the end of August, the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld the appeal of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and increased the sentence for the central defender to four years. He is banned until autumn 2026. It is unclear, however, whether teams from the small-field leagues want to use Vuskovic, who has protested his innocence in the doping case, at all.
The Baller League format, which was launched by former national players Lukas Podolski and Mats Hummels, and Icon League by former national player Toni Kroos and livestreamer Elias Nerlich are popular with younger target groups. Influencers and successful YouTubers are also involved.
HSV and Vuskovic recently agreed on a contract extension after the defender’s doping ban expired. The defender must keep himself fit individually until the expected end of his ban.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240915-930-233318/1
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