The All Whites midfielder Clayton Lewis is under investigation by Drug Free Sport New Zealand and could miss the upcoming Oceania Nations Cup.
Clayton Lewis. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Drug Free Sport New Zealand is investigating a potential adverse analytical finding in a sample collected from Lewis while he was playing for Auckland City in a domestic premiership match in February.
The sample suggested the 19-year-old had a high level of Ventolin (salbutamol), a common asthma drug, in his system.
The drug was prescribed to Lewis by a doctor to treat long-standing asthma symptoms, and Drug Free Sport NZ is investigating how its levels got so elevated.
Lewis is not currently subject to any disciplinary proceedings or playing suspension, however he has been made unavailable for selection until the investigation is completed.
Lewis has made three appearances for the All Whites and was picked in the New Zealand squad for the Oceania Nations Cup, which starts in Papua New Guinea next Saturday.
The All Whites have two more warm-up matches against Queensland club sides before their opening match in PNG.
-RNZ
