Paul Pogba hit with 4-year ban over failed doping test

Reports from Italian media sources, Sky Sport Italy and La Repubblica, indicate that Paul Pogba, the midfielder for France and Juventus, has been handed a four-year ban for a doping violation earlier this season.

The request for this ban by the sports prosecutor was reportedly granted. Pogba faced provisional suspension by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO Italia) in September after testing positive for testosterone, a prohibited substance. The positive test was conducted after Juventus’ 3-0 Serie A season-opening win against Udinese on August 20, in which Pogba was an unused substitute.

Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years for using a performance-enhancing drug pic.twitter.com/FqD3IwhO8K

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 29, 2024

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The presence of testosterone, a hormone known to enhance endurance, was detected in the test. A counter-analysis on a second sample in October confirmed Pogba’s positive doping test. While Juventus has not officially commented, a source confirmed the club’s awareness of the reported four-year ban decision and stated that the next steps would be assessed.

Pogba’s return to Juventus after leaving Manchester United in 2022 on a free transfer has been marked by injuries, limiting his playing time significantly, including missed opportunities with the French national team in the World Cup in Qatar due to knee and hamstring issues.