Paul Pogba has spoken of his relief after his four-year doping ban was cut to 18 months following a successful appeal.
The World Cup-winning midfielder returned a positive test for increased levels of testosterone back in September 2023, earning him a suspension and an investigation by Italy’s Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping.
The following February, he was slapped with a four-year ban; he immediately filed an appeal, confirming that he “never knowingly or intentionally took any supplements that contravene antidoping rules.” Now, the CAS has ruled for him, shortening it to 18 months, making him available to play in March of this year.
In a statement uploaded on his social media, Pogba spoke of his ordeal as a “nightmare” and was grateful that the CAS understood his case. Once again, he insisted that the supplement is not performance-enhancing, although it was recommended by a doctor.
Pogba will be back in training with Juventus in January 2025 as he prepares to get back on the pitch. Relieved, Pogba reflected that the suspension had halted everything he had fought for in the career of a footballer.
