Hamburg defender Mario Vuskovic to return on Nov 16 after four-year doping ban

Hamburg, July 29th — German media outlet Bild reporters Torsten Rumpf and Lukas Dombrowski report from Hamburg.

A digital countdown board in the Hamburg team's locker room ticks down day by day toward November 16th. By then, the timer will hit zero, and Mario Vuskovic (24) will be eligible to return to the pitch.

After a four-year ban for using EPO (erythropoietin) as a doping agent, the center-back's comeback is set to become the most anticipated emotional moment of the first half of the season for Hamburg. Bild am Sonntag breaks down the details and stakes involved.

Background

In November 2022, Vuskovic tested positive for doping, involving the performance-enhancing hormone EPO. He has consistently denied the allegations and in recent years appealed the case and questioned the testing procedure before the European Court of Human Rights. Despite this, he could not avoid the ban. During the suspension, he was not even permitted to train with the team.

Before being penalized by the German Football Association's sports court (a two-year ban) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS, a four-year ban), Vuskovic was regarded as a highly promising defensive prospect. Bild am Sonntag has learned that at the time of the ban, Bundesliga club Hoffenheim had already decided to sign the center-back — at the latest for the 2023/24 season, and possibly earlier for the second half of the 2022/23 season.

Financial Impact

Hamburg officially bought out Vuskovic, who had been on loan with the team, in the summer of 2022 for €3 million. Had the transfer to Hoffenheim gone through, Vuskovic's earnings would have far exceeded his salary at Hamburg. His monthly salary at Hamburg was around €40,000, with an annual salary of nearly €500,000.

However, the reality is:

• The ban
• Contract termination with Hamburg in 2024
• Massive legal fees incurred to prove his innocence

If Mario Vuskovic had developed his career as expected, his financial losses to date are estimated at least in the millions — specifically in the "high single-digit millions" range.

Comparison with His Brother

Had he soared like his brother Luka Vuskovic (19), the outcome would have been unimaginable. Luka, on loan at Hamburg, performed excellently last season, shining both at the club and representing Croatia at the World Cup. This summer, he transferred to Premier League club Brighton for €54 million, where he will earn millions over a five-year contract.

Although Luka could have used this money to support his brother Mario, Mario prefers to get his career back on track through his own efforts. The key now is to prove he still has the ability.

Training and Preparation

To this end, Vuskovic has been training with a personal coach for several months. The coach is Josko Vlasic (70), recognized in the sports world as a top fitness guru. The Croatian, a former decathlete, is also the father of former high jump world champion Blanka Vlasic (42) and footballer Nikola Vlasic (28, playing for Torino FC).

Vlasic recently said in an interview:

"I think Mario is in better shape now than ever before. He is faster, more agile, more compact, and has better ball control than before. He has improved tremendously and is highly motivated; he will emerge from this phase stronger and better."

Before the first joint training session with the team, a comprehensive medical examination is planned, including endurance and fitness assessments and muscle strength tests. The results will serve as the basis for developing subsequent training plans.

It is expected that Vuskovic will work more closely with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel (40), at least initially. As for when he can resume football-specific training at the Bundesliga level — meaning when he can regain precise timing for tackles, headers, or passes — there is no definitive answer yet.

Contract Details

The contract is already finalized. After the CAS ruled that Vuskovic had violated the rules, the club and the player reached an agreement on a new contract for after his ban expires. The new contract stipulates a very low base salary, which will only increase if he gets regular playing time.

The main purpose of this contract is to ensure that if Vuskovic successfully makes a comeback, he will remain with Hamburg until after the summer of 2027, thereby securing his potential transfer value in the millions.

Source: Bild am Sonntag

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