The Brazil midfielder Fred has been banned for one year for doping, according to the governing body of South American football.
The 22-year-old tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the Copa América in Chile. He has continued playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, including 10 Champions League matches, while awaiting the verdict.
The South American confederation backdated the ban to 26 June and has applied it only to the matches it sanctions.
If Fifa extends the ban worldwide, it would rule Fred out of league play for only four months. The Ukrainian league’s winter break means Shakhtar’s next match is on 18 February in the Europa League.