Bulgarian National Team volleyball player Spas Bayrev has tested positive for a banned substance, according to Bulgarian news.
Bayrev, who joined the top-flight club Levski Sofia last summer, tested positive for cannabis (marijuana) after a February 22nd match against CSKA.
“I admit I made a mistake. Accordingly, I accept the consequences for this mistake,” Bayrev said. “There’s nothing to hide.”
The first consequence for Bayrev is being released by his club.
“For me, what happened is unacceptable and completely contrary to my understanding of professionalism – to the club and to the other guys on the team,” president Vladimir Nikolov said. “We held talks with the player and we decided that we can not continue working together. One of our most important goals is to build a team that set an example for young people, to instill certain values and protect the best way name that brings our club. Despite this development, I wish success to Spas and hope he finds a future career path.”
Bayrev joined the club last summer to replace Nikolov upon his competitive retirement, and was anointed as the new club’s leader.
As Bayrev’s first offense, the positive test comes with up to a 4-year suspension from international play.
Bayrev played with Bulgaria’s “B” National Team last year in the European Volleyball League, which Bulgaria hosted. Bulgaria placed 4th in the tournament. His Sofia Levski team currently ranks 6th out of 12 teams in the Bulgarian Superliga. The club is 3-1 since his positive test.
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