Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United star, has been out of action since September due to a provisional suspension. He tested positive for the banned substance DHEA in August.
Now, at 30 years old, he faces a career-threatening situation with a severe four-year suspension imposed by the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office, sidelining him until September 10, 2027.
Pogba’s Contract at Risk
Juventus is considering terminating his £130,000-a-week contract, aligning with their previous stance reported by reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport last December. Despite whispers of retirement, Pogba is gearing up to challenge the tribunal’s ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He holds onto hope that the ban might be reduced if he can demonstrate that the presence of the banned substance was accidental or due to contamination.
Pogba’s statement
In a heartfelt statement, Pogba expressed his dismay and his determination to fight the decision. He said, “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that 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.
“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.”
