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France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been suspended from the game of soccer for a period of four years as a result of a doping offense.
While Pogba is just 30 years old, he’s played in just 11 matches since the start of the 2022 season and is now ineligible to play again until he’s 34 years old, meaning his career could be in serious jeopardy.
Pogba will be allowed to appeal his suspension if he chooses.
“The France international was initially suspended in September after his test detected testosterone not produced by the body, according to NADO (Italian Anti-Doping Organization).”
“NADO said that testosterone not produced by the body was detected in the ‘A sample’ Pogba provided. Following Pogba’s provisional suspension, his ‘B sample’ was sent for further tests at the Acqua Acetosa clinic in Rome, which is where the failed test was confirmed.” [via The Athletic]
Considered one of the best midfielders in the world at the peak of his powers, Pogba was instrumental in France winning the World Cup in 2018. He also scored a goal in the final against Croatia and has 91 total caps (appearances) for the French National Team.
Pogba won Serie A with Juventus for four straight seasons from 2012 to 2016. The prime of Pogba’s career was spent in the Premier League, where he played for Manchester United, largely under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Following the announcement of the ban, Pogba released the following statement:
“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,” Pogba said.
“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.”
Pogba, who made just one appearance for Juventus this season before the suspension, also confirmed in his statement that he will be appealing the ban before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.