Brazilian Futsal Star Ferrao Tests Positive for Testosterone
Brazilian futsal international Carlos Vagner Gularte Filho, known as Ferrao, has been provisionally suspended following a positive test for testosterone during the 2024 Uzbekistan World Cup. The news has generated significant media attention worldwide.
Player’s Response
After the news broke, Ferrao released a statement on social media confirming the positive test. He expressed surprise at the results from the FIFA anti-doping control conducted on October 4, just 48 hours before Brazil competed against Argentina in the final match.
In his statement, Ferrao maintained his innocence, noting that the prohibited substance was detected “in a very low concentration, compatible with an accidental contamination case.” The three-time world’s best player (2019-2021) confirmed that his legal team is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the source of the substance and clarify the situation.
Legal Defense
Ferrao has engaged two prestigious law firms for his defense: one represented by Pedro Fida of FIDE Associados and another by Net Bichara of Bichara e Mota. In statements to Brazilian media outlet O Globo, Fida explained their current priorities: “We are working to revoke the provisional suspension, which is automatic. But the most important thing is to determine the origin of the substance, to show that the athlete had no fault or negligence.”
Pedro Fida, a specialist in sports law, recently secured the acquittal of Brazilian tennis player Nicolás Zanellato in another doping case. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the 23-year-old tennis player was unknowingly contaminated by eating meat during an ATP Challenger event in Ibagué, Colombia.
Similarly, Fida successfully obtained the revocation of FIFA’s provisional suspension for Corinthians player Gi Fernandes, who tested positive for Boldenone (an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone) while representing Brazil in the U-20 World Cup in September 2024.
Investigation and Potential Sanctions
Ferrao faces a potential suspension of 2-4 years. His defense team, including researchers, doctors, and biochemists, will attempt to prove his innocence by reconstructing the Brazilian delegation’s entire journey in Uzbekistan during the FIFA World Cup. This includes inspecting the team’s hotel in Tashkent and restaurants visited by the player.
The objective is to identify the origin of the substance. Which was reportedly found in concentrations (measured in nanograms per milliliter) that would be insufficient to cause significant changes in Ferrao’s metabolism.
Though the FIFA procedure is still in its initial phase, Ferrao’s legal team is working to have the provisional suspension revoked as quickly as possible. The player remains calm and confident that he will be cleared of the doping accusations.
Career Impact
After playing ten successful seasons with Barcelona, the Brazilian pivot has been separated from Steated’s (the reigning Kazakhstan champions) training sessions and matches since December, and has been conducting solo training.
In his statement, Ferrao reaffirmed his “commitment to fair sport and transparency” and noted his full cooperation with authorities. He emphasized that throughout his 20-year career, he has undergone numerous anti-doping tests, all of which were negative.
Support from the Community
Ferrao publicly thanked “the support of my family, the fans, my team, and my club. Who trust my innocence and have given me all the support I need at this time. I am sure that the truth will prevail.”
The player scored the opening goal in Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in the Uzbekistan World Cup final, helping his country secure its sixth FIFA title. Brazil’s coach Marquinhos Xavier showed his support on social media, stating: “We are with you friend, rest in peace and soon everything will be solved.”
Hundreds of supportive messages poured in, including from his former Barcelona teammate Pito, who stated: “I know how [good an] athlete and professional you are.”
Ferrao’s case has become a matter of national importance for Brazilian sports. Futsal legend Falcao sent him a message saying: “You are a reference! Everything will be fine!” His teammate at Steated. Kazakh-Brazilian goalkeeper Leo Higuita, also expressed confidence that Ferrao’s innocence would be proven. While another supporter, Marcenio, encouraged him to “keep your head up, brother.”
