(CNN) -- Riccardo Ricco was sacked by cycling team Vacansoleil on Saturday following its investigation into claims that the Italian gave himself a blood transfusion.
Ricco, who returned to the sport last March after being handed a 20-month ban for doping during the 2008 Tour de France, was admitted to a hospital in Modena earlier this month.
The 27-year-old, whose father said he had been suffering from a high fever and suspected kidney failure, was suspended by Vacansoleil on February.
Following the suspension the investigation was continued and Ricco got the opportunity to reflect his point of view on the matter," the Dutch team's website reported on Saturday.
"Ricco was fired on the spot today. The breach of internal rules and other indications justify this measure. Today Ricco was informed of the dismissal by a registered letter". CNN
