Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba

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In a shocking turn of events, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, formerly associated with Manchester United, has found himself at the center of controversy. Following a routine drugs test conducted after Juventus’ season opener on August 20, it was revealed that Pogba had elevated levels of testosterone, leading to his provisional suspension in September. Now, the 30-year-old French international has been handed a four-year ban from football by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado).

The tribunal’s decision came after a second sample confirmed the failed drugs test in October. Pogba, however, is determined to contest the ruling and has expressed his intention to appeal. Nevertheless, the ban, which is effective immediately and backdated to the date of the failed test, means Pogba will be kept away from the sport until 2027, when he turns 33.

Upon receiving notification from the tribunal, a spokesperson for Juventus confirmed the ban. Nonetheless, sources close to Pogba assert his innocence, suggesting that any violation may have been unintentional. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, emphasized that Pogba never intended to break any rules during the initial suspension. The substance in question, testosterone, is known to enhance athletes’ endurance, and Nado alleges that Pogba breached regulations by having prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites in his test.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba Return Plagued by Injury Woes: Limited Playing Time and Missed Opportunities

A picture of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba running

Pogba’s return to Juventus in July 2022, after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has been marred by recurring injury setbacks. Despite signing a four-year deal with the club, the midfielder has experienced limited playing time. Last year, Pogba even missed the World Cup in Qatar due to persistent injuries.

So far in the current season, Pogba has had minimal involvement on the field, playing only 51 minutes as a substitute in matches against Bologna and Empoli. His statistics from the previous season include 108 minutes across six Serie A games, three Europa League appearances with one assist, and 11 minutes in the Coppa Italia, amounting to a total of 162 minutes without scoring any goals.