World Cup winner Paul Pogba's doping suspension has been reduced to 18 months from an initial four years, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Friday. The decision means that the former France international will be eligible to make a return to competitive football in March 2025.
The CAS director general Matthieu Reeb told Reuters, "The suspension is now 18 months, starting Sept. 11, 2023." Pogba welcomed the decision in a statement, saying, "Finally the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again."
Pogba, who has a contract with Juventus until June 2026, denied any wrongdoing and said he would appeal to CAS. "I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes." The 31-year-old, who has not played since August 2023, tested positive for DHEA -- a banned substance that raises levels of testosterone -- following Juventus' Serie A game against Udinese. He was provisionally suspended by Italy's national anti-doping (NADO Italia) tribunal in September that year before being handed a four-year ban in February 2024.
The Appeal and the CAS Decision
Pogba, who was facing the prospect of early retirement, now has a clear path to return to football, with the ruling permitting him to begin training with Juventus in January 2025 and compete in official matches by March. Pogba's original suspension, which started on September 11, 2023, followed a positive test for DHEA, a banned substance known for its testosterone-boosting effects. Crucially, CAS ruled that the substance only impacts females, confirming that Pogba's use was inadvertent. This ruling not only shortens his ban but also overturns his original €5,000 fine.
Key Points of the Appeal
Mail Sport exclusively reported the news on Friday, revealing that an American clinic, 10X Health Systems, was cited in Pogba's appeal, with photographic evidence linking the clinic to the supplements he consumed. The information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pogba's Reaction and Return to Football
The French midfielder has been serving a four-year ban from football following a doping test where he tested positive for a banned substance. Pogba was tested following a match for Juventus against Udinese. The 31-year-old played no part in the game and remained an unused substitute. An initial appeal for the ban was rejected. However, following an additional appeal, it appears the former Manchester United midfielder's appeal has been successful in the CAS with his four-year ban overturned. The player's fine has also been dismissed as part of the ruling. Following the ruling, Pogba could return to training with Juventus in January and begin to play matches for the Bianconeri as soon as March.
Pogba's Career and Potential Comeback
Pogba's career has been a mix of highs and lows. He enjoyed significant success during his first stint at Juventus, winning four consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2016 and earning the Golden Boy award in 2013 for his outstanding performances. However, his return to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-world record fee of £89 million did not yield the same success, with only a Europa League and Carabao Cup victory to show for his efforts. Pogba’s recent struggles with injuries and his doping case had overshadowed his return to the Allianz Stadium in 2022, where he aimed to revitalize his career. With the reduced ban, he now has a chance to make a comeback on the pitch, potentially revitalizing his legacy in the sport.
Looking Ahead: Pogba's Future with Juventus
With the doping ban now lifted, Pogba's focus will likely shift to regaining his fitness and form to make a successful return to the Juventus squad. His experience and talent, coupled with the reduced suspension, offer a glimmer of hope for both the player and the club. It remains to be seen how he will integrate back into the team and whether he can rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world. This comeback presents a fascinating narrative for football fans, who will be keen to see how Pogba performs in the second half of his career.
