Overview

• Former Real Madrid doctor Niko Mihic suggested wrist and hand bandages could facilitate venous access, raising unproven doping concerns.
• Barcelona players such as Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Gavi, among others, are known for wearing these bandages, sparking further scrutiny.
• The practice is not unique to Barcelona, with Real Madrid players like Rudiger, Benzema, and Ramos also adopting similar wraps for years.
• Medical professionals and players have dismissed the doping allegations, citing reasons like injury protection, superstition, or personal preference for the bandages.
• No formal doping investigation has been launched, and Barcelona player Pau Víctor mocked the speculation with a laughing emoji on Instagram.