Adelaide United forward Ken Ilso provisionally suspended and faces lengthy ban after allegedly testing positive to cocaine

Adelaide United player Ken Ilso has been provisionally suspended and faces a lengthy ban after allegedly testing positive to cocaine.

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Adelaide United forward Ken Ilso may face a ban of up to four years after allegedly testing positive to cocaine.

Football Federation Australia on Friday announced the Dane had returned a positive A-sample for the banned substance Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of the recreational drug.

The governing body immediately imposed a mandatory provisional suspension on Ilso, barring him from playing in A-League matches or training with the Reds.

In a Professional Footballers Australia statement, Ilso said he had requested for his B-sample to be tested, before FFA issued him with an Anti-Doping Rule Violation notice.

Adelaide United’s Ken Ilso, who has been suspended after returning a positive A-sample, was sent off in a match with Brisbane Roar this season. Picture: AAP Image/Kelly Barnes

Under the FFA National Anti-Doping Policy, another positive result might carry a four-year sanction, provided the substance was not found to have been consumed unintentionally.

“To all my fans, teammates, friends and family, I have been notified by the PFA regarding the adverse analytical finding,” Ilso said in the statement.

“I am working closely with the PFA regarding my situation and awaiting the results from the B test.

“Until these results are received I cannot make any further comments.

“I would like to thank the PFA for their support in this testing and frustrating situation.

“To our fans, please ensure the focus is on the team. It is a critical time in our season and they need you most of all.”

Islo, 32, was tested by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on January 27, the day of the Reds’ home clash with Central Coast Mariners.

The attacker, who is off-contract at the end of the campaign, was a half-time substitute in the 2-1 victory.

News of Ilso’s suspension came at the end of a tumultuous week for Adelaide, which on Monday announced it would not renew coach Marco Kurz’s contract after two years in charge.

United chief executive Nathan Kosmina said the club backed the FFA and its policies.

“We have and will continue to work proactively with both organisations and provide necessary support to Ken as due process is undertaken,” Kosmina said in a club statement.

“As the matter currently sits with FFA and for investigation, we are not able to comment further.

“Nevertheless, Adelaide United recognises the significance of the matter and wants to ensure our members, fans, and stakeholders that we will treat this with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.”

Ken Ilso in action for Adelaide United this season. Picture: Sarah Reed

Former Danish youth international Ilso had played 19 games for the Reds and scored three goals since arriving in the off-season from Malaysian club Penang.

If found guilty of the doping violation, he might face similar punishment to Australian striker Kerem Bulut, who was slapped with a four-year ban for testing to positive cocaine.

Traces of the drug were found in a sample provided by the former Western Sydney Wanderers front man while playing for Turkish side Menemen Belediyespor last year.

His penalty was handed down by the Turkish Football Federation in line with the World Anti-Doping Code, which the FFA’s policy is governed by.

Ilso’s case also mirrored that of Collingwood AFL player Sam Murray, who remained under investigation by ASADA for allegedly testing positive to cocaine on a match-day last year.

PFA chief executive John Didulica said the players’ union would continue to assist Ilso.

“The process triggered by the adverse analytical finding is very proscriptive and the PFA will provide Ken with all necessary legal and wellbeing support,” Didulica said.

“At this stage, it’s not appropriate to provide any further comment on the nature and particulars of the finding beyond those made public by ASADA pursuant to its statutory mandate.”

ASADA refused to provide further comment on potential sanctions Ilso might face.