Vasco de Gama striker Romario claimed Tuesday that he failed a drug test because he was using a hair tonic.

Romario, 41, tested positive Oct. 28 for the banned substance finasteride, which is a masking agent for anabolic steroids.

Romario claims a positive drug test resulted from his using a hair tonic.
(Steffen Schmidt/Associated Press)

But the Brazilian striker argued that he had been using an anti-balding medication whose active ingredient is Propecia, which is a similar — and banned — masking agent.

The test was conducted following a 2-2 draw between Vasco and Palmeiras.

Romario, selected FIFA player of the year in 1994, was honoured Monday by the Brazilian Soccer Confederation for reaching the 1,000-goal plateau as a pro.

He scored the milestone marker on a penalty kick versus Sport Recife on May 20.

Romario has 71 goals in 85 international appearances for Brazil, winning the World Cup in 1994.

With files from the Associated Press