Pogba’s Doping Suspension Cut to 18 Months Following CAS Ruling
Paul Pogba, the Juventus midfielder, has had his initial four-year suspension for a doping violation significantly reduced to 18 months after successfully appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision allows the 31-year-old French international to return to training by January 2025 and participate in matches starting in March.
In February, Pogba faced suspension from Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO) after a routine drug test revealed elevated testosterone levels—a hormone known for enhancing athletic performance. Matthieu Reeb, the director general of CAS, confirmed that the ban was officially shortened as of September 11, 2023.
The former Manchester United star presented his case at a hearing earlier this summer and maintained that he would “never knowingly or deliberately” engage in doping practices. He expressed his belief that the original ruling was unjust. Had he not appealed successfully, Pogba would have been sidelined until 2027 at which point he would be nearing his mid-thirties.
Pogba’s troubles began when he was provisionally suspended following a random drug test conducted after Juventus’ opening match of the current season on August 20. The positive result was corroborated by NADO through a second sample tested in October. Subsequently, prosecutors sought a lengthy four-year ban based on these findings.
At the time of his provisional suspension announcement, Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta emphasized that “Paul never intended to violate any regulations.”
Rejoining Juventus on a four-year contract in July 2022 marked Pogba’s return after leaving Manchester United as a free agent following six seasons with them. However, since returning to Turin, he has struggled with ongoing injuries which also prevented him from participating in the Qatar World Cup held last year.
During the previous season (2022-23), Pogba played only five matches totaling just over two hours on field time and had managed merely 51 minutes as a substitute before facing suspension this season.
As developments unfold regarding this case and its implications for both Pogba and Juventus moving forward remain uncertain; BBC Sport has reached out to CAS for further comments regarding their decision-making process.
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