Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban from football due to a doping offence. The 30-year-old French international was subjected to a random drug test after Juventus’ season opener on 20 August.
Pogba, who made 233 appearances for Manchester United before returning to Juventus in 2022, plans to appeal against Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal’s decision. The ban means Pogba will be sidelined until 2027, with the suspension backdated to the date of the failed test.
The doping violation stemmed from the presence of prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites in Pogba’s test results. The Juventus midfielder argues that any banned substance in his system was unintentional.
Pogba’s return to Juventus in July 2022 was marred by persistent injury woes, preventing him from participating in last year’s World Cup. Since his return, Pogba has only managed 51 minutes as a substitute in games against Bologna and Empoli.
It is worth noting that Pogba’s time at Manchester United was characterized by success, with the midfielder playing a pivotal role in the club’s midfield. However, his future in football is now uncertain due to this suspension.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to BBC Sport.