HULL midfielder Oscar Zambrano could be banned for two years – because he is allergic to SHRIMP.
Ecuadorean ace Zambrano, 20, joined the Tigers on loan from LDU Quito in the summer despite having been charged with an anti-doping breach by South American football chiefs.
Zambrano is understood to have tested positive for a banned anti-allergy medication he took without discussion with doctors after a Copa Sudamericana game for his parent club at the start of the year.
The player claimed he took the substance after eating shrimp, which he feared would impact on his health because of an allergy.
Zambrano was placed on a provisional suspension in March, meaning he missed out on making his international bow despite being initially named in the squad for Ecuador’s two World Cup qualifiers.
But he was cleared to play pending the outcome of the case, with Hull understood to be aware of the threat of a ban being imposed.
The precise length of the suspension has not been announced by the South American Confederation Conmebol but his ban was announced by LDU Quito and then confirmed by Hull.
A spokesperson for the Championship club said: “Hull City can confirm that, with immediate effect, Conmebol, the South American Football Confederation, has suspended Oscar Zambrano for breaching the anti-doping rules set out in Articles 6 and 7 of the Conmebol Anti-Doping Regulations.
“Zambrano and his defence will use their right to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“The club is not in a position to provide further information at this time.”
It is understood that Conmebol and World Anti-Doping rules mean a potential ban of up to four years although it is anticipated any suspension is likely to be within the range of six months to two years.
But even that minimum ban would rule the player out for the rest of the season, forcing Hull to send him back to Ecuador.
The bombshell announcement means Zambrano will be unavailable for Tim Walter’s Tigers when they take on Oxford United tonight.
Addressing the risk earlier in the season, the Ecuador Under-20 international said: “It is an issue that they are resolving and as I say, I believe that, thank God, it is on the right track, and at the end of the day, I am aware that it was not something that was intentional.
“I know that a lot of people misunderstand it out there, but that’s normal and people can make whatever comments they want, to think what they can, they have every right but inside of me, I know how things were and what really happened. I’m calm, I’m training hard and hoping that I’ll be given the opportunity (to impress).”
Hull owner Acun Ilicali previously vowed to stand by the youngster – after signing him knowing the possibility of a ban loomed.
Ilicali said: “He has an issue, but about this issue, we believe in him.
We will take this risk
Hull owner Acun Ilicali on signing Oscar Zambrano
“He told us his story and his problem is that he’s in danger of getting banned maybe but we think he is innocent.
“He just explained everything to us and that’s the reason we will be able to get him with this budget.
“If anything comes of course, there will not be any damage (to the club) and we will take this risk, so for us, it is okay.”
Zambrano came through the academy at Colorados Jaipadida – the same youth team as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
But it was at LDU Quito where he made his name, progressing into the first team with the Ecuadorian giants.
The youngster had a trial with Ajax in 2022 and was also wanted by Sao Paulo as well as Colorado Rapids.
However, he joined Hull on the season-long loan in August for the 2024-25 Championship season.
Zambrano grabbed his first goal and assist for the club in the 4-1 win over Cardiff on September 28.
