Paul Pogba is set to make a return to football this season after his doping ban was significantly reduced. The French footballer’s four-year suspension has been cut to 18 months following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). Cas confirmed the decision on Friday, revealing that Pogba’s ban will now come to an end in March 2025. Despite the reduction in his suspension, Pogba remains under contract with Juventus and could potentially be back in action before the current season concludes.
Matthieu Reeb, the director general of Cas, confirmed the updated suspension period in a statement to Reuters, stating that it now stands at 18 months starting from September 11, 2023. Pogba found himself under provisional suspension by Italy’s national anti-doping organisation (NADO Italia) in September 2023 after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance known for increasing testosterone levels. The 31-year-old midfielder consistently denied any wrongdoing and expressed his intention to appeal to CAS back in February.
The doping test that led to the suspension was conducted after Juventus secured a 3-0 victory over Udinese in a season-opening Serie A match in August 2023. The tribunal handling the case discovered prohibited “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites” in Pogba’s system, indicating the external origin of these compounds. Despite the ban, Pogba has continued to strive for his return to the pitch.
With 91 caps for France, Pogba had only made eight league appearances during his second spell at Juventus after returning from Manchester United. The dynamic midfielder had spent six seasons at Old Trafford before rejoining Juventus on a free transfer in 2022, where he was eager to make an impact. The latest developments in his doping ban reduction pave the way for his anticipated comeback to football.
The news of Pogba’s shorter suspension has sparked discussions among fans and experts, with many eager to see the talented player back in action. The football world awaits his return with anticipation and excitement, as Pogba looks to make a strong comeback and continue his contributions to the sport.
This significant update in Pogba’s doping ban serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by athletes in the modern sporting landscape. As the football community prepares to welcome Pogba back to the field, the focus shifts to his future performances and the potential impact on his career trajectory.