Pogba Refutes Doping Allegations Amidst Four-Year Ban
Paul Pogba, once regarded as one of the world’s top midfielders, is facing a potential premature end to his career as Italy’s anti-doping court handed him a four-year ban on Thursday. The World Cup winner tested positive for testosterone while playing for Juventus. Despite Pogba’s intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ban implies failing to demonstrate mitigating factors for the positive test.
The positive result came to light in September and was linked to an examination conducted on August 20 after Juventus’ game at Udinese, during which Pogba did not play but was on the bench. Opting not to engage in a plea bargain with Italy’s anti-doping agency, Pogba faced trial before the country’s anti-doping court.
Pogba expressed disbelief and sadness in response to the verdict, stating that he believed the decision was incorrect. He vehemently denied knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that would violate anti-doping regulations. Pogba promised a more comprehensive explanation once legal restrictions are lifted.
The typical timeline for a CAS verdict is a year unless a fast-track process is pursued and agreed upon by both parties. As per the World Anti-Doping Code, standard four-year bans can be reduced if the athlete can prove unintentional doping or contamination or provide substantial assistance to investigators.
Known for his versatility, physicality, and goal-scoring ability, Pogba had notable stints at both Manchester United and Juventus. His return to United in 2016 involved a world-record transfer fee of 105 million euros ($113 million). However, injuries affected his performance at Juventus, where he rejoined in 2022. Pogba’s contract with Juventus, initially set to expire in June 2026, now faces potential early termination.
The doping case is compounded by ongoing police investigations in France, where allegations suggest Pogba was targeted by extortionists, including his brother Mathias, who denies any wrongdoing. These developments underscore the challenges faced by high-profile athletes dealing with legal and disciplinary issues, impacting their professional and personal standing.
