The Russian Anti-Doping Agency has issued a three month suspension to CSKA forward Nikita Kurbanov after a test showed the presence of a prohibited stimulant. This decision is meaningful for the club and reflects ongoing efforts to uphold high standards of integrity in regional basketball.
The ruling centers on a test result identifying a substance listed as S6a cocaine. Although cocaine is not part of the category known as special substances, it remains subject to rigorous penalties under anti doping rules. The length of Kurbanov’s disqualification follows the framework of the All-Russian Anti Dop ing Rules. The penalty calculation began from the official decision date and took into account the player’s long service history in the sport. The provisional suspension, used as an interim measure, was active from October 20, 2023, with the formal disqualification expected to end on January 19, 2024. The cited documents and communications from RUSADA underpin this ruling [RUSADA statement].
In late October, Kurbanov stepped away from his professional duties to address personal matters that required attention off the court. This pause was reported publicly and noted as a temporary halt in competitive activity while the case moved through the administrative process, illustrating the commitment to timely resolution and transparency in disciplinary actions [RUSADA communication].
At 37 years old, Kurbanov has a long standing connection with CSKA that spans multiple seasons since he joined the club in 2015. His earlier years with CSKA trace back to a prior period with the organization from 2002 to 2012, highlighting a deep association with the team. The forward has worn the club colors with distinction, contributing to a career marked by European and domestic success. He is a three time Euroleague champion, a seven time VTB United League winner, and a key member of a generation that helped CSKA secure numerous domestic titles. In 2021 Kurbanov concluded his international career with the Russian national team, leaving a lasting impact at both club and national levels. The broader history of CSKA and its players reflects a long tradition of competing at the highest levels of European basketball [CSKA club archive].
Earlier reporting noted doping concerns involving another team within the same broader sports network. It was indicated that several players within a system linked to Salavat Yulaev faced doping discoveries, though the contexts and competitive divisions described were distinct. This broader pattern underscores ongoing commitments to fair play and strict anti doping enforcement across different clubs and leagues. The developments demonstrate a sustained emphasis on clean sport and responsible governance across the region [regional sports governance updates].