Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been hit with a four-year ban from football following a positive drug test, as reported by Italian media outlets.
The ban stems from an incident in September when the former Manchester United player was provisionally suspended due to elevated testosterone levels detected during a drug screening. Testosterone, known for enhancing athletes’ endurance, was found to be above permissible levels in Pogba’s test results.
The 30-year-old Frenchman underwent a random drug test following Juventus’ season opener on August 20, 2023. BBC Sport states that Pogba intends to challenge the ruling issued by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal.
Juventus confirmed receiving notification of the tribunal’s decision. As a consequence of the ban, Pogba, who is currently 30 years old, will not be eligible to participate in any matches until 2027, when he turns 33. The ban’s effective date was backdated to the time of the failed test.
During his initial suspension, Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, asserted Pogba’s innocence, stating, “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.” However, BBC reports indicate that Pogba violated anti-doping regulations due to the presence of non-endogenous testosterone metabolites in his test, suggesting the use of external substances.
Pogba rejoined Juventus in July 2022 with a four-year contract after departing Manchester United as a free agent. During his previous stint with the Italian club from 2012 to 2016, he made 178 appearances and scored 34 goals.
The World Cup winner of 2018 has faced persistent injury troubles since his return to Juventus, resulting in his absence from the recent World Cup tournament in Qatar. This season, Pogba has seen limited action, accumulating 51 minutes on the field as a substitute in matches against Bologna and Empoli. In the preceding season, he played a total of 162 minutes across various competitions but failed to score any goals.
