How Paul Pogba Reacted To His Four-Year Doping Ban

(CTN News) – Following a four-year suspension from football due to a failed drug test, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken out.

A Frenchman who tested positive for testosterone was sentenced to the maximum penalty under the World Anti-Doping Code by Italy’s anti-doping court on Thursday.

Pogba registered a positive test after Juventus’ match against Udinese on 20th August, when he was an unused substitute. The presence of the substance was confirmed by a subsequent Paul Pogba B sample following the initial positive result.

A plea deal for a two-year ban was offered to the 30-year-old by Italy’s anti-doping agency, but he did not participate in the negotiations. Paul Pogba legal team attempted but failed to prove that the substance that caused the positive test was accidentally consumed by him.

In response to the confirmation of his punishment, the former Manchester United midfielder announced his intention to appeal the suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

This morning, I was informed of the verdict rendered by the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping, which I believe to be incorrect.

It is deeply saddening, shocking, and heartbreaking to realize that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been ripped from me.

I will be able to tell my complete story once I am no longer subject to legal restrictions, but I do not intend to or have ever taken supplements that violate antidoping regulations.

The use of banned substances for the purpose of enhancing Paul Pogba performance has never been a part of my professional career as an athlete. Additionally, I have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any team I have played for or against.

Accordingly, I will appeal the decision announced today to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

In the event Paul Pogba appeal is unsuccessful, he would not be able to return to soccer until he is about 35 years old, an age at which many soccer players are no longer capable of competing at an elite level.

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