The world of football was stunned by the news that Paul Pogba, the star midfielder of France and Juventus, has been banned for four years for a doping offence. Pogba tested positive for testosterone, a prohibited substance, after a Serie A match in August 2023. He has vowed to appeal the decision, but his chances of overturning the ban are slim.
How Pogba Got Caught
Pogba was one of the players randomly selected for a doping test after Juventus’ 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20, 2023. He did not play in the match, but was on the bench. The test revealed that he had abnormally high levels of testosterone in his urine sample, which indicated that he had taken a synthetic form of the hormone.
Pogba requested a counter-analysis of his sample, hoping that it was a false positive. However, the second test confirmed the initial result in October 2023. He was then provisionally suspended by the Italian National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO Italia) pending a hearing.
The Tribunal’s Verdict
Pogba appeared before the NADO Italia tribunal on February 29, 2024, to defend himself against the doping charge. He claimed that he had never knowingly taken any banned substance, and that he was a victim of contamination or sabotage. He also presented medical records and witness statements to support his case.
However, the tribunal was not convinced by Pogba’s arguments. It found him guilty of violating the anti-doping rules, and imposed the maximum penalty of a four-year ban. The ban is effective from the date of the positive test, meaning that Pogba will be ineligible to play until August 2027. He will also be stripped of any titles or awards he won during the period of the violation.
The Impact of the Ban
The ban is a huge blow for Pogba, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. He has won numerous trophies with Juventus and France, including the 2018 World Cup. He was also the most expensive player in history when he moved from Manchester United to Juventus for €105 million in 2022.
Pogba will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season, as well as the 2024 European Championship and the 2026 World Cup. He will also lose a significant amount of income from his salary and endorsements. His contract with Juventus runs until 2026, but the club may decide to terminate it or sue him for damages.
Pogba will also face a reputation damage that may be hard to recover from. He has always been a popular and charismatic figure among fans and teammates, but his doping scandal will tarnish his legacy and credibility. He may also face legal consequences if he is found to have committed fraud or deception.
The Next Steps for Pogba
Pogba has not given up on his career yet. He has announced that he will appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority for sports disputes. He hopes that the CAS will reduce or overturn the ban, or at least suspend it until the appeal is heard.
Pogba has also expressed his shock and heartbreak at the ban, and his determination to clear his name. He posted a message on his Instagram account, saying: “I am innocent and I will fight for the truth. When I am free, the story will become clear. Thank you for your support and love.”
Pogba has received some sympathy and solidarity from his fellow players and coaches, who have praised his talent and character. However, he has also faced some criticism and skepticism from others, who have questioned his integrity and ethics. The doping case has sparked a debate about the prevalence and prevention of doping in football.
