Paul Pogba receives 4-year ban from football for doping offences
- Pogba tested positive for testosterone during the summer and has now been handed the maximum punishment
- Juventus midfielder argued his use of the substance was accidental
- A plea deal was also rejected
By Tom Gott
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years after testing positive for a banned substance.
Pogba tested positive for testosterone earlier this season and was suspended on September 11, 2023, while officials opened an investigation.
Pogba argued that he had ingested the substance accidentally in the hope of receiving a reduced suspension but, as first revealed by La Repubblica, his claims have been rejected and he has now been handed the biggest possible suspension of four years.
In response to the ban, Pogba released a statement saying: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.
"I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
"As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
The Frenchman will turn 31 in March and will not be able to return to competitive football until shortly before his 35th birthday. It is understood that his four-year suspension will include the period he has already served on the sidelines and will therefore be lifted in 2027.
Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer after his Manchester United contract expired in 2022 but suffered a serious knee injury during the summer which limited him to just ten appearances across all competitions last season, including just one start in Serie A. In total, he has played just 213 minutes for Juventus since returning to the club.
The French midfielder went unused in the first game of the season but was still randomly selected for a doping test after the match. He made two more substitute appearances before the results were confirmed and Pogba was suspended.
He remains under contract with Juventus until 2026. The club have been informed of the court's decision but are yet to respond publicly.
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