Paul Pogba set to return as early as 2025 after four-year drugs ban reduced
Pogba received four-year ban for doping offence last year
Paul Pogba four-year ban from football due to doping violations has been reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The 31-year-old, who played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, tested positive for testosterone metabolites in August 2023, leading to a lengthy suspension.
Following the reduction, Pogba will be eligible to resume playing for Juventus in March 2025, having initially been barred from all football-related activities until August 2027.
Italy’s anti-doping agency had advocated for the maximum four-year ban upon learning of Pogba’s failed test.
However, the Frenchman has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that he has “never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”
A statement from Pogba at the time said: “As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently decided to reduce Paul Pogba’s ban, reopening the possibility for him to play for Juventus before the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
This potential return could also quell speculation about his possible retirement from football – a notion Pogba had to deny in July as he continued to fight his case.
Paul Pogba has had two notable spells at Manchester United.
He returned to the club in 2016 for a then-record fee of £89 million after leaving for Juventus on a free transfer four years earlier.
However, he struggled to replicate his international success with France at United, winning only the Europa League and Carabao Cup during his time there.
In contrast, Pogba has enjoyed greater success at Juventus.
He was part of the team that secured four consecutive Serie A titles from 2012 to 2016 and earned the Golden Boy award in 2013 for his outstanding performances.
His return to the Allianz Stadium in 2022 aimed to revitalize his career, but injuries hindered his progress, culminating in a failed drug test that came to light in September 2023.
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