Sampdoria captain Flachi tests positive for cocaine

Sampdoria captain Francesco Flachi has tested positive for cocaine, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said Wednesday.

Photo: Sampdoria captain Flachi tests positive for cocaine

Traces of the drug were found in the 31-year-old striker's system in a random anti-doping test after Sampdoria's 2-0 home defeat to Inter Milan on Jan. 28 in Serie A.

"I'm calm," Flachi was quoted as saying by the ANSA news agency. "I will clarify everything at the opportune moment."

Flachi will be called before the Italian soccer league's disciplinary committee and is likely to be suspended immediately, Italian soccer league spokeswoman Elena Marini said.

Flachi can ask for his backup "B" sample to be tested in line with CONI protocol. If he fails that, too, he could face a long-term ban.

Sampdoria could not be reached for immediate comment.

Flachi was banned for two months by the Italian soccer league in September for illegal betting.