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Paul Pogba receives 4-year ban from football for doping offences
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has received a four-year ban from football following a positive test for a banned substance.
Pogba’s suspension began on September 11, 2023, when officials initiated an investigation after he tested positive for testosterone earlier in the season.
Despite Pogba’s claim of accidental ingestion in the hope of receiving a reduced suspension, his plea was rejected, as initially reported by La Repubblica. Consequently, he has been handed the maximum penalty of four years.
Turning 31 in March, Pogba will be ineligible to return to competitive football until shortly before his 35th birthday. It’s noted that his four-year suspension will incorporate the time he has already spent sidelined, with the ban set to conclude in 2027.
Following the expiration of his contract with Manchester United in 2022, Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer. However, his return was marred by a significant knee injury last summer, limiting him to just ten appearances across all competitions last season, including a solitary start in Serie A. Overall, he has played a mere 213 minutes for Juventus since rejoining the club.
Despite being unused in the first game of the season, Pogba was subjected to a doping test, leading to his suspension after confirmation of the results. He is currently contracted with Juventus until 2026, with the club having been notified of the court’s decision but yet to issue a public response.