Kolkata: Paul Pogba, whose testosterone levels were found to be high in doping tests conducted in August 2023, had his four-year ban reduced to 18 months after the French World Cup winner appealed to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). That means the former Manchester United and Juventus star will be able to get onto the field from March 2025.
“Finally the nightmare is over,” Pogba said in a statement. “Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.” The Frenchman had tested positive for testosterone in August 2023, following which the Italian anti-doping court handed the footballer with the maximum punishment.
🚨 Paul Pogba will be back to action in 2025, confirmed!
His 4 year drug ban has been reduced to just 18 months, as @MailSport reported.
Pogba can start training with Juventus in January and then he will be allowed to play official matches by March. pic.twitter.com/THBX9JeXzR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 4, 2024
Challenging the ruling, Pogba appealed to the Switzerland-based CAS. The French player’s contract with the Italian giants continues until 2026. In an interview in July, Pogba said, “Pogba is not dead. Pogba is here. I have a great desire to come back. I am excited like a child who wants to be professional.
“I train every day. I am still a Juventus player. I have a contract but I have not spoken to the technical director and the president.” For Juventus, Pogba scored 34 goals and made 41 assists in 190 games. The doping incident took place during Pogba’s second spell at Juventus.
Pogba, who returned to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022, had a very unfortunate second innings with the Italian club. He only had the chance to play in six Serie A matches that season due to injuries. He was only able to play in two matches in the 2023-24 season due to another injury.
Pogba also played an important role in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, scoring one in the final which they won 4-2 against Croatia.
