Former Central Coast Mariners forward sanctioned for two years over drug use

Sports Integrity Australia have upheld a doping ban for a former Central Coast Mariners forward, keeping him out of the sport for a substantial period. Here’s what he has been charged with.

Former Mariners forward Damian Tsekenis hit with doping ban. Photo: Football Slack

Former Central Coast Mariners forward Damian Tsekenis has been sanctioned by Sports Integrity Australia after testing positive to prohibited substances last year.

Tsekenis returned the positive result during an out-of-competition doping screen on 23 March 2022 which determined he had used Ostarine and Ibutamoren on or before that day, as well as previous use during 2021.

He was sanctioned by Football Australia from 21 March 2022 for a total ban of two years and nine months, ending on 21 December 2024, with Sport Integrity Australia upholding the ban.

Damian Tsekenis previously played for Marconi Stallions in the NSW NPL. Picture:AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

The 22-year-old had been contracted with A-League Men’s side Central Coast Mariners with their Academy team, only making 20 appearances over 2020-2022 after suffering a fracture in his hand causing him to miss 12 weeks.

He signed his first full-time deal with the side in November 2021 and made his debut off the bench against the Wellington Phoenix in Wollongong on 27 November 2021, replacing the injured Beni N’Kololo.

Tsekenis played his final game for the Mariners on 5 March 2022 against Brisbane Roar, but was included in the squad for the following match four days later against Melbourne Victory.

The sanctions make Tsekenis ineligible to participate in any sport that upholds the World Anti-Doping Code until the ban ends in December 2024.