Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba finds himself embroiled in a doping scandal as reports surface indicating that the French superstar has been handed a four-year suspension from football. The news comes following Pogba’s positive test for testosterone, which was announced back in September. Italy’s sports prosecutors, who had provisionally suspended Pogba earlier, have now requested the maximum penalty of a four-year ban.
The doping allegations against the former Manchester United midfielder stem from an incident following Juventus’ 3-0 victory over Udinese in the Italian Serie A opener, where Pogba tested positive for the banned substance. Despite efforts from Pogba’s legal team to contest the allegations, including a shift in his anti-doping hearing and requests for a reduced sentence, the tribunal ultimately accepted the prosecution’s demands.
Pogba, who could have potentially reduced his ban by demonstrating that the doping was unintentional or occurred out of competition, now faces a significant setback in his football career. The 30-year-old, known for his instrumental role in France’s FIFA World Cup triumph in 2018, could see his illustrious career come to an abrupt end if the ban is upheld.
Despite his achievements on the field, including winning 178 caps for Juventus during his initial stint with the club, Pogba’s return to the Italian giants from Manchester United has been marred by injury woes. His absence from the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury further compounded his challenges, and with only limited appearances for Juventus this season, Pogba’s future in football hangs in the balance.
As Pogba contemplates his next steps, including the possibility of appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the football world awaits the final verdict on the fate of one of its most prominent stars.
