Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly had his doping suspension reduced from four years to 18 months, allowing him to return to football soon. The 31-year-old has been absent from competitive play since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, where he participated in two of Juventus’ initial three Serie A matches, the last being against Empoli on September 3, 2023.
Before that match, Paul Pogba did not play against Udinese on August 20, 2023, but he was subjected to a random drug test after the game, which revealed abnormal testosterone levels. A follow-up ‘B’ sample also indicated non-endogenous testosterone, leading to a provisional suspension and a four-year ban imposed by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February.
During his two tenures in Turin, he has played 190 matches and netted 34 goals. The World Cup winner has also secured nine major titles in Italy, including four Serie A championships. Following the recent announcement, Pogba approved X, sharing a photo of himself in French football socks alongside a sand timer emoji. However, Juventus may now consider selling the midfielder since he has been cleared to return to play early.
CAS Grants Green Light to Paul Pogba
Originally, this ban would have kept Pogba out of football until September 2027, but he quickly appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). According to reports from the Daily Mail, Pogba’s appeal was successful, resulting in his suspension being cut to 18 months, most of which he has already served. Since his suspension began in September 2023, following the revelation of his first positive test, he is now eligible to return by March 2025, just five months away.
Additionally, Paul Pogba may resume training with his team as early as January, and a fine of 5,000 euros (4,200 pounds) has been waived. CAS determined that Pogba “inadvertently” ingested the banned substance Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which affects testosterone levels but mainly benefits females, implying he did not gain an unfair advantage.
Had the CAS upheld the initial four-year ban, Juventus might have terminated Pogba’s contract until the summer of 2026. His potential return could coincide with a match against Fiorentina on March 16, although he has faced significant injury setbacks, managing only 11 appearances since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United in 2022.
Can Paul Pogba Make a Successful Comeback?
Considering that Paul Pogba is returning to football after two years, it will be tough for him to regain his form. As so many youngsters are fixing their places, it would be difficult for him to cope with them and make his place in the team.
Although he has passed a statement in his interview that Paul Pogba is not finished yet, this shows the elite mentality of a professional footballer. Throughout his suspension, Pogba has mostly been away from the club. Recently, he was seen in the stands during Inter Miami’s MLS match against Charlotte.
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