Paul Pogba Handed Four-Year Ban for Doping
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban after testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body, including testosterone. The ban was imposed by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) and is in accordance with the standard length under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA).
The ban, which started from the date of Pogba’s initial positive test, means that the France international is prohibited from participating in any professional football activities until August 2027, at which point he will be 34 years old. This raises doubts over the continuation of his career post-ban. Pogba has since expressed his intent to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, stating that he believes the verdict to be incorrect. He has also shared that he plans to disclose his full story once he is free of legal restrictions.
“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” the statement read.
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
“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.”
After being suspended as a precaution in September 2023, Pogba’s ban follows his positive test for testosterone metabolites in August. Despite denying knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations, further analysis confirmed the positive result. As the case proceeded, anti-doping prosecutors in Italy pursued the maximum four-year ban, which Pogba opted not to negotiate through a plea bargain.
It is important to note that a four-year anti-doping ban can potentially be reduced in certain circumstances, such as proving that it was not intentional, demonstrating contamination, or providing “substantial assistance” to help investigators. As this case develops, the possibility of appeals and further legal proceedings may come into play, potentially leading to a final judgment from the Swiss federal courts. Juventus has refrained from commenting on the latest ruling regarding Pogba.
The situation surrounding Paul Pogba’s ban serves as a reminder of the significant implications of anti-doping regulations in professional sports, and it will be interesting to observe how the appeal process unfolds and whether any additional details come to light.
World of sports 
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