PETALING JAYA, Dec 17 — One oversight could cost Sazali Samad his legacy as the country’s most decorated athlete.

The 10-time Mr Universe winner, who had been suffering from aches in his lower back and knee for some time, was apparently advised by friends from abroad to try a certain supplement which would help heal his injuries.

Those close to Sazali revealed that in his bid to get back into shape for the Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Sept 29 to Oct 5), the bodybuilder ordered the supplement earlier this year and consumed it without checking with the National Sports Institute (NSI).

The supplement contained banned substance, believed to be steroids, and the policeman now faces a four-year ban after failing an out-of-competition anti-doping test on Sept 1.

The Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBF) disciplinary board met Sazali yesterday to discuss the matter.

When contacted, Sazali said: “I’m sorry I cannot comment or say anything. I have been advised not give any statement until next week.”

Sazali won his first Mr Universe title in Malacca 15 years ago and subsequently in Moscow (2004), Ostrava, Czech Republic (2006), Jeju, South Korea (2007), Dubai (2009), Varanasi, India (2010), Malacca (2011), Bangkok (2012), Budaors, Hungary (2013) and Mumbai last year.

The 42-year-old won nine Mr Asian titles in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012 and last year. He was named Sportsman of The Year four times — 2000, 2006, 2013 and last year.

MBF will likely call for a press conference within “days” to announce the punishment.

Those close to Sazali said he was “distraught” as the oversight would lead him to be labelled a cheat.

“He knows he should have checked the label before taking the supplement,” the source said.

“He has won the Mr Universe title 10 times, Mr Asian nine times and never once failed a dope test. His world has come crashing down. It was an honest mistake but one he should not have made.”

The source added: “He wants to speak out to explain what happened but has been told to stay silent until next week’s press conference. Please bear with him until then.”

Another source said: “As an experienced athlete, Sazali should have referred to NSI before consuming any pill, powder or supplement.

“He should have got clearance before taking the supplement. It may have been an honest mistake but the punishment is likely to be the same as one who had doped intentionally.”

The World Anti Doping Agency announced in November 2013 an extension of bans for doping offences from two to four years.

The rule was ratified as part of the agency’s new world anti-doping code that began on Jan 1 this year. This would mean Sazali could face a four-year ban if found guilty.

Sazali is the second elite Malaysian athlete to fail a dope test after former World No 1 shuttler Lee Chong Wei tested positive for dexamethasone at last year’s World Championships.

Dexamethasone is not a performance-enhancing drug but a type of steroid with anti-inflammatory effects used during rehabilitation.

It is allowed to be used out of competition but an athlete was required to sign a therapeutic usage exemption form if he or she was still using it during competition.

Lee was slapped with an eight-month ban after the Badminton World Federation found he had “accidentally” ingested the banned substance.