Angers SCO striker Ibrahima Niane has been banned from all football-related activities for two years after testing positive for ecstasy and MDMA, according to a report from L’Équipe.
The French Anti-Doping Agency made the ruling on 31st March, with the suspension retroactively dated to the same day. The 26-year-old was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the presence of the banned substances in his system, leading to the severe sanction.
As a result, Niane is now prohibited from participating in football in any professional capacity. The ban extends to training sessions and coaching courses, effectively sidelining him from the sport until March 2027.
The former FC Metz forward joined Angers in 2023 and was nearing the end of his contract, which is set to expire in June. No extension had been offered by the club at the time of the ruling.
Niane featured prominently in Angers’ promotion push from Ligue 2 last season, making 30 appearances though failing to register a league goal. He improved marginally this campaign, scoring three goals in 27 league appearances as Angers successfully avoided relegation and maintained their top-flight status.
The ban marks a significant setback for Niane, whose career has now been brought to an abrupt halt, casting serious doubt over his professional future.