Samir Nasri Suspended for 6 Months After Investigation on Intravenous Treatment

Former Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has been hit with a six-month suspension from football by UEFA following intravenous treatment he received in 2016.

As reported by the Daily Telegraph and the Press Association, the French midfielder used a drip to consume 500 millilitres of hydration. The substance, according to the report, contained "sterile water" and "micronutrient components."

It's added that Nasri received the treatment on Boxing Day in 2016 at a private clinic known as Drip Doctors. The World Anti-Doping Agency only allow 50 millilitres of infusion to be taken per six hours. 

Sevilla, where Nasri was on loan from City at the time of the treatment, sought an exemption for the player in 2017, although that was thrown out by UEFA. An appeal from the Frenchman was also turned down by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

While it was reported by Marca that the 30-year-old was facing a year out, Nasri's lawyer is said to have confirmed via email that his ban is for six months.

Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

Nasri is currently a free agent after terminating his contract with his previous club, Antalyaspor, in January. 

Last season, the Frenchman was excellent for Jorge Sampaoli's Sevilla team at times, helping the Andalusian side put together a brief title challenge before they eventually finished in fourth position.

Arguably the finest spell of Nasri's career came during his six years at Manchester City, as he helped the team to win two Premier League titles and a League Cup.