Paul Pogba’s Four-Year Ban Reduced Following Successful Appeal

Paul Pogba’s four-year ban from football for doping violations has been reduced to 18 months after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The 31-year-old, who was instrumental in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, tested positive for testosterone metabolites in August 2023 and received a significant ban as a result.

Pogba will now be able to resume playing for Juventus from March 2025 onwards, having initially been banned from all football-related activities until August 2027.

Italy’s anti-doping agency had pushed for Pogba to receive the maximum four-year ban upon learning of his failed test, but the Frenchman immediately insisted that he’d done nothing wrong and would “never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations”.

A statement from Pogba at the time said, “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.”

CAS’ decision to reduce Pogba’s ban opens up the possibility that he could play for Juventus again before the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

A return to action may also put to bed rumors of potential retirement from football something Pogba was forced to deny in July as he continued to fight his case.

Pogba had two stints at Manchester United during his career, rejoining the club in 2016 for a fee of £89m after leaving for Juventus on a free transfer four years earlier.

However, he struggled to replicate his international success with France at United, achieving only Europa League and Carabao Cup victories during the 2016/17 season as his sole trophies with the club.

At Juventus, Pogba has been far more successful. He was part of the side that won four successive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2016, picking up the Golden Boy award in 2013 for his performances.

Pogba’s return to Allianz Stadium in 2022 aimed to revitalize his career, but injuries hindered his progress, leading to a failed drug test that was revealed in September 2023.