Paul Pogba, a former player for Manchester United and currently with Juventus, has been handed a significant blow to his career. Various news outlets reported on Thursday that Pogba has been banned from the sport for four years due to doping. This decision follows Pogba’s positive test for testosterone last year after Juventus’s opening game against Udinese, where he was present on the bench as an unused substitute.
The Italian national anti-doping tribunal, NADO Italia, provisionally suspended Pogba in September after the positive test for testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone known to enhance athletes’ endurance, and its presence in Pogba’s system led to serious consequences for his career.
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Later in the day, Paul Pogba addressed the ban on his Instagram account, labeling it as “incorrect.” In his statement, he expressed his sadness, shock, and heartbreak over the decision, emphasizing that his entire professional career’s achievements have been unjustly stripped away. Pogba vowed that once he is free from legal constraints, the complete truth will come to light. He asserted his innocence, stating that he has never knowingly or intentionally consumed any supplements that contravene anti-doping regulations.
“As a professional athlete, I would never resort to using banned substances to enhance my performance. I have always upheld the integrity of the sport and never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes or supporters, whether playing for or against any team. In light of today’s decision, I will appeal this ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Pogba affirmed in his statement.
Another setback adds to the string of challenges for Paul Pogba, whose career has been marred by injuries since his return to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022. He missed France’s journey to the 2022 World Cup final due to a knee injury and participated in just six Serie A matches for Juventus that year.
Additionally, a police investigation in France is ongoing, probing allegations of extortion against Pogba, allegedly involving his older brother, Mathias, who has refuted any involvement in the wrongdoing.
Juventus’ Struggles Continue Amid UEFA Ban
