Paul Pogba, 31, was handed a suspension last year after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance known to boost hormone levels, including testosterone. Despite this, Pogba has consistently claimed he never “knowingly or deliberately” consumed any prohibited substances and immediately appealed the decision.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has now reviewed his appeal and reduced the original suspension to 18 months. According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Pogba will be allowed to return to training in January and could potentially play again by March. Despite facing the initial four-year ban, Pogba has remained under contract with Juventus and is expected to be available for selection under coach Thiago Motta later this season.
Pogba’s last appearance for Juventus occurred in September 2023 when he came on as a second-half substitute during the team’s 2-0 win over Empoli.
However, his positive doping test stemmed from a random test conducted following a match against Udinese two weeks earlier, where he was an unused substitute. Both his A and B samples tested positive for DHEA, with confirmation of the B sample arriving in October. In December, anti-doping authorities initially called for a four-year suspension.
Following the announcement of his suspension, Pogba voiced his frustration and disappointment. He stated, “I believe the verdict is wrong.
I am devastated that everything I have worked for in my career has been taken away.” Pogba also emphasized that he had never intentionally consumed banned substances, expressing that as a professional athlete, he would never disrespect or cheat his fellow athletes or supporters. He remains hopeful that once legal restrictions are lifted, the full story behind the case will be revealed.
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