French football star Paul Pogba has been hit with a four-year ban for doping by Italy's Anti-Doping Tribunal (NADO Italia). The 30-year-old midfielder, a FIFA World Cup winner with France in 2018, tested positive for a banned substance in 2023 and was initially suspended by NADO Italia in September of that year.
Pogba, who has also played for Manchester United and Juventus throughout his illustrious career, vehemently denies any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. He has stated his intention to appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
"I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping's decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect. I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me," Pogba wrote on his Instagram account.
The positive test, conducted after Juventus' season-opening victory in August 2023, detected elevated levels of testosterone, a performance-enhancing hormone. A counter-analysis confirmed the initial findings in October.
"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," Pogba emphasized in his statement.
This ban comes as another blow to Pogba, who has battled injuries since rejoining Juventus in 2022 after a stint with Manchester United. He was also forced to miss France's run to the 2022 World Cup final due to a knee injury. Additionally, Pogba is currently embroiled in an ongoing police investigation in France regarding allegations of extortion by his brother, Mathias Pogba, who has denied any involvement.
The four-year ban, if upheld, could effectively end Pogba's playing career as he would be 34 years old upon its completion. This news adds another layer of uncertainty to the future of the decorated footballer.