Senegalese footballer Ibrahima Niane has been suspended from professional football for two years after testing positive for banned substances, the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) confirmed.
The 26-year-old Angers SCO forward was found to have ecstasy and MDMA in his system, substances classified as psychotropic drugs and strictly prohibited under anti-doping regulations.
The decision comes at a pivotal point in Niane’s career, as his contract with the Ligue 1 club is set to expire in June.
During the current season, Niane made 24 league appearances and found the net three times. While these figures reflect a modest contribution on the scoresheet, they marked a period of relative stability for the striker after years plagued by injuries and fluctuating form.
The doping violation was uncovered during a routine test, and the AFLD stated that Niane failed to offer a credible explanation for the presence of the substances in his body.
His inability to mount a convincing defense is believed to have played a significant role in the agency’s firm disciplinary action.
Once heralded as a promising talent in Senegal, Niane began his professional journey with Génération Foot, a club renowned for producing international-level players.
He later moved to FC Metz in France, where he enjoyed a breakout period, particularly during the 2020–2021 campaign.
However, that momentum was abruptly halted by a serious knee injury, which sidelined him for a considerable stretch and marked the beginning of a troubled chapter in his playing career.
Niane’s subsequent transfer to Angers was seen as a fresh start, a chance to rebuild and potentially fulfill the potential he had shown in his earlier years.
However, the transition did not yield the resurgence many had hoped for. Despite flashes of quality, consistency remained elusive, and the latest development now casts a long shadow over his future in professional football.
The timing of the ban is particularly damaging. With his contract nearing its end, Niane now faces not only a prolonged absence from the sport but also the daunting task of finding a new club while carrying the burden of a doping sanction.
This could significantly hinder his prospects of signing with another team once the suspension is lifted.
Neither Niane nor his current club has issued a detailed public statement in response to the ban. Angers, who have themselves experienced an unsettled season, are yet to clarify whether they intend to renew the striker’s deal or sever ties altogether in light of the suspension.
Doping violations in football, while less common than in other sports, remain a serious breach of ethical and professional standards. The AFLD has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strict stance on any infractions, regardless of the player’s profile or circumstances.
For Ibrahima Niane, a player once tipped for international success, this ruling represents a critical juncture. Whether he can recover from this setback and resume his career at a competitive level remains to be seen.
