Paul Pogba speaks out about four-year ban threatening football career

French footballer Paul Pogba faces a four-year ban after failing a doping test in September 2023, where excessive testosterone levels were detected.

Chirag

February 29, 2024

Paul Pogba Breaks Silence In Court Verdict — Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Earlier on Thursday, news broke that the French World Cup champion had received a ban following his initial failure of the ‘Sample B’ doping test in September 2023. The 30-year-old was discovered to have elevated levels of testosterone in his bloodstream during that period. Following investigations where his associates couldn’t establish Pogba’s lack of awareness regarding the substances he consumed, the four-year suspension was imposed.

Taking to Instagram, the French midfielder expressed his discontent with the verdict soon after its announcement, denouncing it as “incorrect” and declaring his intention to appeal. He stated: “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.”

With the Frenchman set to turn 31 next month, there are speculations surrounding the potential end of his illustrious career. Pogba, who clinched the 2018 World Cup with France, reunited with Juventus in the summer of 2022 following a disappointing return to Manchester United. In August 2016, he made a comeback to Old Trafford for £89 million ($113m). Across 226 appearances in various competitions and 39 goals scored, Pogba contributed to his former club’s victories in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

Nonetheless, his tenure in Turin since his return has been plagued by setbacks, featuring in just 12 matches over two seasons for the Serie A powerhouse.

The former Manchester United midfielder retains the opportunity to challenge the ruling issued by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal. However, unless he and his representatives can present compelling new evidence regarding the heightened testosterone levels, it is probable that the ban will stand, although there remains a chance it could be mitigated based on the defense offered to the authorities.