Italy’s Anti-Doping Tribunal Requests Four-Year Ban For Pogba

France’s World Cup-winning midfielder, Paul Pogba, is potentially facing an extended ban following a call for a four-year suspension by Italy’s anti-doping tribunal, as confirmed by a club source to AFP on Thursday.

Pogba, 30, received provisional suspension in September after testing positive for testosterone, with a subsequent B sample in October confirming the presence of the substance. The Italian sports justice system is in the process of conducting proceedings, and the Turin public prosecutor’s office has initiated a judicial investigation due to doping being a criminal offense in Italy.

Confirming the notification of the four-year suspension request from the anti-doping agency, the Juventus source told AFP, “I can confirm that we received this morning this notification from the anti-doping agency with four years (suspension) requested.”

Pogba’s sample was reportedly taken during Juventus’ opening Serie A match against Udinese on August 20, where he was an unused substitute. His representatives claim the testosterone came from a prescribed food supplement obtained during a consultation with a U.S.-based doctor.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba could face a four-year suspension, potentially halved if he proves non-fault. The ban might be reduced to a few months if the substance use occurred “out of competition and is not related to his level of performance.”

Since the positive test announcement, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus, his club since returning in July 2022 after six seasons with Manchester United.

This tribunal recommendation is the latest development in a series of on and off-field challenges for Pogba, including a home invasion incident in March 2022, a knee injury sidelining him from the 2022 World Cup, and off-field issues affecting his personal life.

Juve has suspended payment of Pogba’s estimated annual salary of 8 million euros amidst these ongoing challenges.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG