Paul Pogba, who received a four-year suspension, can return to the field in 2027.
Juventus’ French star player Paul Pogba has received a four-year suspension for a doping violation.
In September, Pogba received a temporary ban from the Italian anti-doping authorities after testing positive for testosterone. He was tested after Juventus’ first match of the season in August.
The Italian anti-doping court confirmed the positive result after the second sample in October, and the anti-doping prosecutor demanded a four-year ban. On Thursday, Juventus received information about the decision.
Pogba said in a statement that he was saddened, shocked and heartbroken.
– Everything I have built in my career has been taken away from me.
Pogba plans to appeal the verdict to the International Court of Appeal for Sport, CAS. He said that the verdict is wrong and he would never knowingly use doping.
– When I am free from legal restrictions, the whole story will become clear, but I have never knowingly taken prohibited substances.
The 30-year-old Pogba has played his professional career in two clubs, Manchester United and Juventus.
Pogba has won four Italian championships and one Europa League in his career. He was also one of the key players in France’s 2018 world champion team.
Pogba was paid a then world record fee of £89 million in August 2016 when he moved from Juventus back to Manchester United. In 2022, however, he returned to Juventus again.
Pogba has suffered from injuries in recent years. Last season, he played in six Serie A matches for a total of 108 minutes, was on the field in three matches in the European League and one Italian Cup game. This season, he has played a total of 51 minutes in two matches.
The ban is considered to have started on the day the positive test was given. Pogba can therefore return to the field in 2027, when he will be 34 years old.