Russian World Cup hero Denis Cheryshev is being investigated over doping claims – thanks to his father. The Villarreal winger was linked with Everton in July before joining Valencia on loan.
Cheryshev is under the spotlight after his dad Dimitri allegedly said the 27-year-old had used human growth hormone (HGH) treatment.
The World Anti-Doping Agency told the BBC that Spanish anti-doping authorities will handle the case.
Cheryshev hit four goals in five games as World Cup hosts Russia wowed home fans by reaching the quarter-finals.
The former Real Madrid player netted the opener in that last-eight clash with Croatia.
But after drawing 2-2 Russia exited in a shootout to a side who went on to KO England but lose 4-2 to France in the final.
Cheryshev’s father made his controversial comments BEFORE the World Cup and now claims a journalist misquoted him.
That has not halted the investigation, though.
Sports competitors can be banned for up to four years if found to have taken HGH without getting an exemption for therapeutic use.
Cheryshev is reported to have told Russian sports daily Sport-Express: “On my side, everything has been honest and I think there will be no problem.
“I think we’d better leave this case in the hands of medics, who have done everything right.”
It is thought Cheryshev will say he was taking a legal and naturally-occurring substance – and that this is what his dad meant.