“I’m unhappy, stunned and heartbroken,” Pogba said in a statement, adding that he believed “the decision is improper”.
Paul Pogba, the prestigious World Cup winner, has been passed a most four-year suspension via Italy’s anti-doping tribunal. The ruling was once issued after the highest midfielder examined sure for testosterone, a banned substance, casting a shadow over his occupation.
Even regardless that Pogba stated he would enchantment to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, the possibility of overturning the decision is narrow, given his failure to give any mitigating components for the sure take a look at consequence.
The sure consequence was once showed in September, stemming from an examination that was once performed on August 20 after Juventus’ sport at Udinese. He didn’t play within the Serie A fit however was once at the bench.
Pogba opted to not make a plea discount with Italy’s anti-doping company so the case was once attempted ahead of the rustic’s anti-doping court docket.
An individual conversant in the case shared the decision with The Associated Press below the situation of anonymity, as the verdict was once no longer disclosed publicly in compliance with Italy’s privateness laws.
Pogba stated in a commentary he believes “the verdict is incorrect.”
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me,” Pogba stated. “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.”
The decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could take up to a year, which is the standard timeframe – unless one party pushes for a fast-track process and the other side agrees to it.
Pogba was known for his versatility, physicality and eye for the goal. When he returned to Manchester United in 2016, the club paid Juventus a then world-record transfer fee of 105 million euros.
Pogba rejoined Juventus in 2022 but struggled with injuries, playing in only six Serie A matches last season and two this season. He was ruled out of France’s run to the 2022 World Cup final due to a knee injury.
Pogba helped France win the previous World Cup, scoring in the 4-2 win over Croatia in the final. He played in 178 matches for Juventus from 2012-16.
“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,” Pogba stated.
Pogba’s contract with Juventus, set to run out in June 2026, faces the potential of early termination. The Turin-based membership has but to reply to the decision.
