French footballer Paul Pogba receives a four-year ban from professional football after a positive doping test.
French midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years after failing an anti-doping test conducted in August 2023. The news comes as a major shock to the football world, with Pogba being one of the sport’s most recognizable stars.
Pogba, currently playing for Italian club Juventus, tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone, a violation of anti-doping regulations. He was provisionally suspended in September 2023, pending a full investigation.
The official verdict, announced today, February 29, 2024, by the governing body, effectively ends Pogba’s playing career for the next four years. This decision will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for both the player and the footballing landscape.
Reactions from fans, pundits, and fellow players are still pouring in. We will continue to update this story as further information becomes available.
In a statement, Pogba confirmed he will appeal against the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and insisted he has never taken banned substances.
“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” Pogba said.
“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.”