The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially reduced Paul Pogba’s initial four-year suspension for doping. The 31-year-old Juventus midfielder was handed the ban last year after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance known for boosting hormone production, including testosterone.
Despite the ruling, Pogba has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he never knowingly or intentionally used any banned substances. Following the initial decision, he promptly filed an appeal, seeking to have the suspension reviewed.
CAS has now reconsidered Pogba’s appeal and decided to lower the suspension to 18 months. According to Sami Mokbel from the Daily Mail, Pogba will be able to resume training as early as January 2024 and could potentially be cleared to play in competitive matches by March. This development significantly shortens what was originally viewed as a career-threatening ban, allowing Pogba the chance to return to professional football sooner than expected.
Despite the suspension, Pogba has remained under contract with Juventus throughout the ordeal and will be eligible to play under manager Thiago Motta later in the season. His last appearance for the club occurred in September 2023, when he featured as a substitute in Juventus’ 2-0 victory against Empoli.
The suspension followed a random doping test conducted after a match against Udinese, in which Pogba was an unused substitute. Both his A and B samples tested positive for DHEA, and in October, the B sample confirmed the findings. Initially, anti-doping officials were seeking a full four-year suspension, which was announced in December.
Following the imposition of the ban, Pogba expressed his dismay, calling the decision unjust. In a public statement, he said, “I believe the ruling is unfair. I am devastated that everything I’ve worked for in my career has been taken away from me. Once I am cleared, the truth will come out.
I have never knowingly or deliberately used any banned substances. As a professional, I would never disrespect or cheat my fellow athletes or fans.” His statement reflected his frustration at what he viewed as an unjust penalty that could tarnish his professional legacy.
Pogba’s reduced suspension is likely to bring relief to both the player and his supporters, many of whom had feared that the initial four-year ban would prematurely end his footballing career. Now, with the possibility of a return in early 2024, anticipation is building around Pogba’s potential comeback. Juventus, who have stood by him during this period, could benefit from his return later in the season, particularly as they navigate both domestic and European competitions.
The case has raised important questions about doping regulations in football and the extent to which athletes are held responsible for substances in their system, even if ingested unintentionally. Pogba’s fight to clear his name has highlighted the complexities involved in such cases, and his eventual return to the sport will likely be seen as a victory for those who believe in his innocence.
