Dodo's suspension lifted

League leaders Botafogo got a huge boost on Thursday, after the Sports Supreme Court agreed to the team's request to review the 120-day suspension for doping of star forward Dodo, which had been ruled on July 24. The court accepted the team's appeal, which was based on an analysis showing that the player had been given caffeine pills by the team's medical staff - which had been accidentally contaminated by an illegal substance. The authorities were not able to determine who was responsible for such contamination, but accepted the argument that neither the player nor the team were aware of the presence of an illegal substance in the pills. With this decision, the forward can return immediately to the team, and may even start next match, against Parana, on Sunday.

Dodo suspended for doping

The second exam confirmed what the first had already showed, and Botafogo forward Dodo was preventively suspended on Monday for doping. His initial suspension is for 30 days. An urine sample collected after the match against Vasco showed the presence of an illegal substance commonly found in certain drugs used for dieting and quick loss of weight. Dodo scored two goals in that match, won 4-0 by Botafogo. The player, who has been playing quite well for the league leaders and has scored seven goals in ten matches so far in the Brazilian Serie A, will now be tried by the Brazilian Supreme Sports Justice Court. He can be suspended by as much as one year, following the trial.