Real Madrid has joined the defense of Rafael Nadal after doping accusations made by a former French minister.
The Spanish soccer giant expressed its “total support” for the 14-time Grand Slam winner in a statement Saturday which called the accusations by former French Minister for Health and Sport Roselyne Bachelot “unjustifiable and intolerable.”
Bachelot claimed on French television on Thursday that the Spaniard’s seven-month injury hiatus in 2012 was “probably due to a positive doping test.”
Former French Minister for Health and Sport Roselyne Bachelot told French television on Thursday that Nadal’s seven-month injury hiatus in 2012 was “probably due to a positive doping test.”
The Spanish Olympic Committee has responded with a statement saying Nadal “has been submitted to innumerable anti-doping controls that he has always passed throughout his long career.”
Miguel Cardenal, the president of Spain’s Higher Sports Council, calls Bachelot’s accusations “slander of one of the most important athletes in history.”
Official Announcement: Rafa Nadal.https://t.co/sDpLYDdKkS#RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/VzCOMT1zQX
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 12, 2016
Nadal’s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, called Bachelot “an imbecile,” according to Spanish media.
Nadal is a prominent fan of Madrid and a “member of honor” of Real Madrid.
The Spanish Olympic Committee, national team manager Vicente del Bosque and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique have also supported Nadal, who denies any wrongdoing.
