Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been slapped with a four year ban after testing positive for DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) in August. The ban, issued by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA), aligns with the standard length stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA).
The ban commences from the date of Paul Pogba’s initial positive test, effectively sidelining the French international until August 2027. At 30 years old, Pogba’s future in professional football hangs in the balance, with uncertainties looming over his ability to resume his career post ban.
In response to the ruling, Pogba intends to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. However, should the case escalate to CAS, WADA plans to challenge the verdict, potentially leading to a final resolution in Swiss courts. Juventus has refrained from commenting on the matter.
The doping saga involving Pogba commenced in September 2023 when he received a provisional suspension after testing positive for testosterone metabolites following Juventus’ match against Udinese on August 20. Despite his absence from the game, the team bench included Pogba.
Despite requesting a counter-analysis of his positive test, Pogba’s results upheld the initial findings.
In December, Italian anti doping prosecutors sought the maximum penalty of a four year ban, prompting Pogba to forego a plea bargain and proceed to trial before the country’s anti doping court.
While certain circumstances can potentially mitigate a four year ban, such as proving unintentional ingestion or contamination, Pogba’s case remains contentious.
