Paul Pogba four-year doping ban has been significantly reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) according to report.
The 31-year-old former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder took to social media to tease his return, signaling a countdown to his comeback on Friday, October 4.
Following the announcement of his reduced ban, Pogba posted a photo wearing ‘Pogba’ football boots and French socks, accompanied by a sand timer emoji, indicating his countdown to returning to football.
The Juventus midfielder had been handed a four-year ban by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February 2023, after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels following a Juventus-Udinese match in August 2023.
Paul Pogba maintained his innocence
This suspension for testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) had cast doubts on his footballing future.
Meanwhile, in March 2024, Pogba disputed the accuracy of the verdict and stressed that he never intended to use doping substances.
The 31-year-old has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States, which he had unknowingly taken.
He said: “I always stated that I never knowingly breached anti-doping regulations. I play with integrity, and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.”
Now, the CAS verdict acknowledged that Pogba inadvertently took the banned substance, which boosts testosterone levels. Crucially, the ruling stated that DHEA only affects females, leading to the reduced sanction.
Furthermore, Mail Sport reported on Friday that Pogba’s appeal referenced an American clinic, 10X Health Systems, with photographic evidence linking the clinic to the supplements the Frenchman had taken.
Pogba’s representatives has not commented yet, the ruling finally brings an end to months of uncertainty, allowing the 31-year-old to begin planning his football comeback.
A CAS spokesperson confirmed the ruling, stating, “An 18-month suspension with effect from 11 September 2023. The reasons for the decision will follow later.”
Moreso, Italian football pundit Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, reposting Pogba’s official announcement which the footballer tagged: ”nightmare is over.”
Romano wrote:“Paul Pogba is set to return to action in 2025, confirmed!”
When will Paul Pogba play again?
Paul Pogba will be eligible to play again in March 2025 and can begin training in January.
The 31-year-old former Manchester United star still has two years left on his Juventus contract and is also likely to eye a return to international duty with France.
Paul Pogba’s new Chapter and fresh start ahead
Pogba played a crucial role in France’s triumph in the 2018 World Cup and secured four Serie A titles with Juventus in his earlier tenure at the club.
Now, with Pogba’s ban reduced, the midfielder’s desire to play for France again will drive his comeback, and Juventus fans will eagerly await his return to the pitch.
Also, his £4,176 fine has been set aside, allowing him to focus on the revival of his football career.
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