Renowned Juventus football star, Paul Pogba, has expressed disbelief and sorrow following a four-year ban from football due to an alleged doping offense. The ban, announced on Thursday, implies that the 30-year-old midfielder will be ineligible to participate in any matches until 2027, when he reaches the age of 33.
The doping controversy arose after Pogba underwent a random drug test following Juventus’ first match of the 2023 season on August 20. In September of the same year, the former Manchester United player faced provisional suspension due to elevated testosterone levels detected in the initial drug test. Subsequently, Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal in October confirmed the positive test in a second sample, leading to a request for a four-year suspension from the anti-doping prosecutor’s office. The ban was retroactively applied to the date of the failed test.
In response to the ban, Pogba released a statement expressing his sadness and shock, asserting his innocence. He maintained that he had never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations, and he believed the tribunal’s decision was incorrect. Pogba emphasized that he would share the complete story when legal restrictions permit, vehemently denying any intentional use of prohibited substances to enhance his performance.
The BBC reported that Pogba’s breach of regulations stemmed from the detection of non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, suggesting an external origin of the substances. Pogba, however, reiterated his commitment to fair play and announced his intention to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, previously asserted that Pogba had no intention of breaking any rules, further emphasizing the player’s commitment to fair play and integrity in his career.
