Former Rangers defender Jefte has been suspended by Brazilian football authorities after failing a doping test. The 22-year-old left Rangers for Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 in a £6million move.
The full-back has been sidelined in recent months after undergoing knee surgery, but his club have confirmed the Brazilian tested positive for a banned substance during an out-of-competition test. Jefte has since stated that the substance was taken involuntarily, while he has accepted the suspension.
Palmeiras confirms positive test
A club statement read: "Palmeiras informs that the left-back Jefte tested positive for the specified substance furosemide in an out-of-competition test conducted in early August."
"The athlete clarified that the use occurred involuntarily and inadvertently, outside the club environment and without the knowledge of the professionals in the Health and Performance Unit (NSP)."
"In light of the possibility provided by the applicable regulations and aiming to clarify the imputed fact, the player agreed to his provisional suspension and will voluntarily step away from his activities until there is a final analysis of the case by the Anti-Doping Sports Justice Tribunal. Palmeiras is closely following the case and trusts in its prompt resolution."
Player denies seeking advantage
The player insisted he plans to "clarify all the facts" and insisted he had never used a banned substance to secure a "competitive advantage."
He posted to Instagram: "Over the last few days, I have received with surprise and deep sadness the news that the doping control exam held out of competition presented an adverse analytical result for a banned diuretic."
"From the very beginning, I have been cooperating in good faith with the competent authorities and, with respect to applicable procedures and fair play, I accepted the temporary suspension."
"I want to make it clear that I have never used any prohibited substance with the intention of gaining a competitive advantage. I never cheated and always drove my career with respect to sport, rules and my opponents."
"I am working together with my lawyers and with my Club to clarify all the facts related to the exam result and to exercise, with serenity and firmness, all my rights to defend."
"I have full confidence that the process will allow the facts to be properly clarified, already refuting any assignment of responsibility to Palmeiras in relation to what has happened."
"I appreciate the messages of support and the trust of everyone who is with me at this moment."
Next steps in the case
Jefte will now voluntarily step away from his activities until a final analysis of the case is made by the Anti-Doping Sports Justice Tribunal. Palmeiras says it is closely following the case and trusts in its prompt resolution.
