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Paul Pogba announces he will appeal his 4-year ban from football.
Paul Pogba has responded following Thursday’s revelation of his four-year ban from football due to doping violations.
The announcement came after the French World Cup champion failed his ‘Sample B’ doping test in September 2023, where elevated levels of testosterone were detected in his bloodstream. Despite efforts from his team to demonstrate Pogba’s lack of awareness regarding the substance in question, investigations concluded otherwise, leading to the implementation of the four-year suspension.
In an Instagram post, the French midfielder spoke out on the ruling shortly after it was made, criticising it as “incorrect” and vowing to appeal. He wrote: “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.”
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As the Frenchman approaches his 31st birthday next month, there is widespread speculation that his illustrious career may come to an abrupt halt. Paul Pogba, who secured victory with France in the 2018 World Cup, returned to Juventus in the summer of 2022 following a disappointing tenure at Manchester United. His second stint at Old Trafford, marked by a record-breaking £89 million ($113m) transfer in August 2016, saw him make 226 appearances across all competitions, contributing 39 goals and aiding in the team’s triumphs in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
However, since rejoining Juventus, Pogba has faced significant challenges, making just 12 appearances over two seasons for the Serie A giants.
While the former Manchester United midfielder retains the option to contest the decision rendered by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, the likelihood of success hinges on the presentation of compelling new evidence regarding the elevated testosterone levels. Despite this, there exists the possibility of a reduction in the ban contingent upon the strength of the defense mounted by Pogba and his legal team during the proceedings.