Bolivia international Boris Cespedes tested positive for the banned substance acetazolamide following a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on March 25, 2025, in El Alto [1, 2]. FIFA’s disciplinary committee handed Cespedes a two-year doping ban in August 2025, crediting a provisional suspension that began on May 14, 2025 [1, 2].
Cespedes appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which held a hearing in January 2026 [1, 2]. On June 8, 2026, CAS partially upheld the appeal and reduced the suspension to 15 months, also accounting for the provisional suspension previously served [1, 2].
CAS found that the acetazolamide most likely came from medication prescribed by Bolivia’s national team medical staff to treat altitude sickness. The CAS release stated, "Consequently, the Sole Arbitrator determined that a period of ineligibility of 15 months is proportionate and appropriate to the circumstances of this case" [1]. Another statement read, "The appeal is partially upheld and the sanction against Mr Cespedes is amended, with a deduction for the provisional suspension served since 14 May 2025" [2].
Cespedes’ ban now extends from May 14, 2025, to August 14, 2026, rather than the originally imposed two-year period. The reduction allows him an earlier return to competitive play under anti-doping regulations.
The CAS ruling resolves the dispute over Cespedes’ case following the positive test during last year’s qualifier in Bolivia. Authorities and the player’s camp will proceed with plans reflecting the new timeline for his suspension end.