Paul Pogba doping: What happened to the Juventus star and could he be banned from football?
PAUL Pogba is best known for him impressive football skills but now he’s facing a lengthy ban.
The star has tested positive for testosterone which means his career could be at stake.
When did Paul Pogba take testosterone?
Paul Pogba tested positive for taking testosterone in September 2023.
He was provisionally suspended after this but a sample ‘B’ has now been taken which has come back as positive as well.
However, it has been reported that the sample contained traces of a different substance, but not testosterone.
Will Paul Pogba receive a ban from football?
The short answer is, yes, Pogba could face a permanent ban from football.
He was given a ban straight away after the first sample but this could become more serious.
He will face an anti-doping tribunal, and if he is found guilty he could be banned for two years.
However, if he is found guilty of doping intentionally, that could double in length to four years banned from playing.
He now has a week to prepare for the questioning, with it said he will face the tribunal within two to four weeks.
His job playing for Juventus now is at risk as they could terminate his contract.
When asked about sacking the star, boss Max Allegri said at a press conference: “I didn’t know, I’m sorry. We await the outcome of what will be the continuation. Talking about it now is of no use.”
Pogba rejoined Juventus from Manchester United in 2022 but has only appeared 12 times due to injury.
He played twice this season before his first positive test result.
Has Paul Pogba spoken out about the doping scandal?
Pogba has not directly spoken about the doping scandal himself.
However, his agent Rafaela Pimenta told Tuttosport last month: “We’re waiting for the counter-analysis and we can’t say anything now.
“For sure, Pogba never wanted to bend the rules — I can guarantee that.”
While Juventus released a statement about the provisional ban, saying: “Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023.
“The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”