Former Manchester United footballer Paul Pogba has received a 4-year doping ban, potentially ending his career.
The Juventus midfielder, once the world’s most expensive player, tested positive for testosterone and rejected a plea deal. Prosecutors believe he ingested the substance intentionally, resulting in this lengthy ban that could prevent him from playing professionally until his mid-30s.
Pogba will turn 31 next month, meaning he would not be able to return to the pitch until he is almost 35.
France international Pogba, 30, was randomly tested after Juventus’ first match of the season on 20 August.
The failed drugs test was confirmed by Nado in a second sample in October, and the anti-doping prosecutor’s office had requested a four-year suspension.
The ruling means Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 33, with the ban backdated to the date of the failed test.
It is understood Pogba believes that if he did take a banned substance, he did so inadvertently.
