Mejia was in the middle of a 162-game suspension, given for failed tests for boldenone and stanozolol, and he will now not be allowed to play in the MLB after he returned another adverse finding for boldenone, which is an anabolic steroid.

Under the league’s rules, he will also not be eligible to participate in competitions in Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

His ban represents the longest-ever punishment given by the organisation, the oldest of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.

“We were deeply disappointed to hear that Jenrry has again violated Major League Baseball’s joint drug prevention and treatment programme,” an MLB statement read.

“We fully support MLB’s policy toward eliminating performance enhancing substances from the sport.

“As per the joint drug programme, we will have no further comment on this suspension.”

The 26-year-old Mejia has insisted he will appeal the decision, claiming he “will take this case to the ultimate consequences”.

“I’m going to appeal,” he said.

“Lose or win, I have great faith - I have to clear my name.

“I will take this case to the ultimate consequences.

“It is not like they say.

"I am sure that I did not use anything.”

Mejia, born in the Dominican Republic, may be able to get himself reinstated in one year’s time if he admits acceptance for the positive tests by appealing to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

He has received all of his suspensions over the last 12 months and was banned for 80 days in April, before he was handed the 162-game punishment just three months later for another doping offence.