Vasco de Gama striker Romario was suspended Tuesday for 120 days for failing a drug test following a Brazilian league match.
Brazil's sports tribunal voted 3-2 to suspend the veteran player-coach, who plans to appeal.
Romario claims a positive drug test resulted from his using a hair tonic.
(Steffen Schmidt/Associated Press)
"I disagree with the ruling," Vasco president Eurico Miranda said. "This decision dents Romario's career."
Romario, 41, tested positive Oct. 28 for the banned substance finasteride, which is a masking agent for anabolic steroids.
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 Dec. 3 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
