The 41-year-old called a press conference on Tuesday evening where he announced he had tested positive for finasteride following a game against Palmeiras two months ago.

The 1994 World Cup winner and FIFA World Player of the Year said the substance was found in anti-baldness drug Propecia which he was using to treat hair loss.

Vasco da Gama are set to play a friendly tournament in the United Arab Emirates and lawyer Marcos Motta, who specialises in doping cases, said Romario will be allowed to play, despite the Supreme Court of Sporting Justice (STJD) temporarily banning him for 29 days.

"He can play," Motta said. "As was illustrated in the discussion about his 1,000th professional goal, friendly matches are not part of the FIFA calendar."

Earlier this year, Romario netted his 1,000th career goal but there was huge debate after he was said to be including goals scored in youth matches and friendlies in his bid to achieve the record.