Australian Football League (AFL) suspends Melbourne Demons star Joel Smith after a positive cocaine test. It is forbidden for players to use cocaine as it is a banned substance.

AFL said it took a urine sample from Smith to conduct a doping control test during an in-competition on Aug 20, 2023.  The sample was taken after the round 23 game versus Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In this game, Smith defeated Hawthorn by 27 points scoring two of their 13 goals.

Read here the facts about why Belgium vs Sweden 2023 abandoned after the Brussels shooting

Joel Smith may face a four-year ban

Sports Integrity Australia along with AFL notified Smith about the drug test result last week. AFL also said they are working with Smith on this matter with the ban effective immediately. Sources claim he could face a penalty maximum four-year ban.

The 27-year-old Smith is aware of the result after Sports Integrity Australia informed him. But if he proves that the breach was unintentional, he may face suspension for a month only.

National Australian Sports Channel claims that the Melbourne star expects a three-month suspension as a result of a positive cocaine test.

The tested sample detected the presence of cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine which the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code doesn’t allow its players to take. 

The AFL said the matter of Smith was progressing in accordance with the code. Sports Integrity Australia and the AFL would investigate them.

AFL released the statement that Smith will not be part of Melbourne’s Football Team in the interim. Melbourne Football Club said in a statement that it would continue to support Smith throughout the process. It would ensure that their supporters stay informed further when they are authorized to do so.

Click here to read the updates of Argentina vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup 2023