Willie Rioli has been provisionally suspended after allegedly tampering with a urine sample, and has been withdrawn from tomorrow’s semi-final against Geelong.
AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon spoke to the media, stating that an A sample for an out-of-competition test on August 20 returned an adverse analytical finding for urine substitution.
He has been suspended indefinitely until the matter is resolved. Under ASADA regulations, the maximum penalty for urine substitution is four years.
ASADA informed the AFL of the findings yesterday and Rioli was notified by the AFL of the suspension last night as the team arrived in Melbourne for tomorrow night’s clash.
Rioli is ineligible to play in the AFL or WAFL while suspended, but can still train with Eagles until the “final determination of the asserted violation.”
The AFL’s official statement reads as follows.
“The AFL today confirmed that a mandatory provisional suspension had been handed to West Coast Eagles Player William Rioli following notification to him by ASADA of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code (Code).
“It is asserted that Rioli’s A sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding for Urine Substitution being a Prohibited Method following an Out-of-Competition doping control test on 20 August 2019.
“ASADA informed the AFL yesterday of the results of the testing of the sample and Rioli was formally notified late last night after arriving in Melbourne.
“Under the Code, ASADA conducts testing for the AFL as part of a comprehensive anti-doping program designed to protect the integrity of the AFL competition.
“The provisional suspension is effective immediately. Rioli will not be eligible to compete in AFL competitions or any WADA-compliant sport (including the WAFL) while provisionally suspended, but will be able to train, prior to the hearing and determination of the asserted Code violation.
“Rioli has been withdrawn from the West Coast Eagles team that will play against Geelong on Friday night.
“It is important that Rioli be provided a fair process. As a result, the AFL will not be providing further detail on this case at this time.”
West Coast have released the following statement.
“The West Coast Eagles have been made aware that Willie Rioli is the subject of an ASADA and AFL investigation.
“The club is extremely disappointed that one of our players has been provisionally suspended while a matter is being investigated and it will comply fully and openly with ASADA and the AFL through the process.
“The club is fully committed to supporting Willie during what is a personally distressing time.
“Our primary concern is Willie’s health and welfare.
“As this is an on-going investigation the club, its staff and players can make no further comment until the investigation is completed.
“The West Coast Eagles fully supports the AFL and ASADA in its ideal of our game being drug-free.”
The 24-year-old has played 14 games this year, his second with the Eagles, averaging 13 disposals, three tackles and a goal a game.
He was originally selected with pick 52 in the 2016 draft.
Jack Petruccelle has reportedly been flown to Melbourne as an emergency for tomorrow’s semi-final.
Jason
Roar Rookie
Sorry Dad, forgot all about it. Some other time.
NY Giant Eagles
Roar Rookie
“later had a blood test which revealed that he had no illicit or performance-enhancing substances in his body.”
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The Tigers are very very good. But they thought they had it last year too and cats might bring back those preliminary final Demons
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Sorry Son I guess we’re just different you and I. Are you still popping over for Tea on Sunday?
Jason
Roar Rookie
Dad please, stay off the computer :unhappy:
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
All good man, this year was not meant to be mate, we were far to inconsistent within games and during the year. You guys need to take your chances man, most Tigers fans think they have the cup albeit they are playing great footy
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thanks eagles man, very gracious of you. You have your cup though I know it still hurts. I’ve made no secret of thinking you have the best list in the competition so no doubt will challenge next year
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Appreciate your enthusiasm but he won’t ever be a Cyril. Too fat for a start. Cyril is a freak.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Then, perhaps, you needn't worry.
Kane
Roar Rookie
You're not making any sense Don.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
There was a young Eagle named Willy Who did something probably silly The protocol sus Put him under the bus So don't hang the man willy nilly.
Scott
Guest
These are the highlights from his 1st 24 games. He made his debut last year. https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=2109263199095208&_rdr Watch and tell me who he reminds you of? He was injured preseason before last year then had his 1st full preseason this year. He was building up to play midfield this year and covered the most amount of ground in at least 1 game this year. His highlights will be just as incredible this year off 14 games including 1 of 3 finalists in goal of the year. On AFL game day a few weeks back they said he would be in the conversation as the best Rioli with Maurice and Cyril, at the end of his career. Cyril may perhaps be the most talented player ever. He has to be in the top handful of players of all time in skill level. I’m not saying he is as good as Cyril, that’s way to huge a call, but he was only 38 games into his career and if you had to choose a player he plays most similar to, it would be Cyril.
EaglesMan
Roar Rookie
All the best for the prelim mate, after the hurt of last year
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
How would Robbo even know?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Read your previous comment and you'll get the point...unless you don't remember what you were trying to say.
Kasey
Roar Pro
It bugs me that the narrative is now"we're concerned for Willie and his emotional well-being" how about don't do drugs? Willie is not the victim here. What was he trying to hide?
Kane
Roar Rookie
Yes he was and he was charged accordingly. So what's your point Don?
terrykidd
Roar Pro
I don't know if anyone is advising Willi Rioli but Willi's social media apology seems very much like an admission of guilt ..... and that will mean a long suspension subject to any discount for first offence, good boy gone bad etc etc
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A shame as he is good to watch though nowhere near Cyril
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Pretty much. Sheed was unusually relaxed.