Paul Pogba information: World Cup winner, Juventus soccer midfielder exams for testosterone, banned 4 years by Italy anti-doping court docket

ROME — It is trying increasingly more like Paul Pogba’s profession is heading to a untimely finish.

As soon as one of many world’s prime midfielders, Pogba was banned for the utmost 4 years by Italy’s anti-doping court docket on Thursday after the World Cup winner examined optimistic for testosterone whereas at Juventus.

Though Pogba mentioned he would attraction to the Switzerland-based Court docket of Arbitration for Sport, the decision is unlikely to be overturned by the France worldwide – who turns 31 subsequent month – as a result of he did not display any mitigating causes for his failed check.

The optimistic outcome was introduced in September, stemming from an examination that was carried out on Aug. 20 after Juventus’ recreation at Udinese. Pogba didn’t play within the Serie A match however was on the bench.

Pogba opted to not make a plea discount with Italy’s anti-doping company so the case was tried earlier than the nation’s anti-doping court docket. An individual with direct data of the case confirmed the decision to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the sentence was not made public as a result of Italy’s privateness legal guidelines.

Pogba mentioned in an announcement he believes “the decision is wrong.”

“I’m unhappy, shocked and heartbroken that every little thing I’ve in-built my skilled taking part in profession has been taken away from me,” Pogba mentioned. “When I’m freed from authorized restrictions the complete story will change into clear, however I’ve by no means knowingly or intentionally taken any dietary supplements that violate anti-doping laws.”

It might take a full 12 months for a CAS verdict – not less than that is the everyday timeline until one celebration pushes for a fast-track course of and the opposite aspect agrees to it.

4-year bans are customary below the world anti-doping code however will be lowered in circumstances the place an athlete can show their doping was not intentional, if the optimistic check was a results of contamination or if they supply “substantial help” to assist investigators.

Pogba was identified for his versatility, physicality and eye for the purpose. When he returned to Manchester United in 2016, the membership paid Juventus a then world-record switch charge of 105 million euros ($113 million).

Pogba rejoined Juventus in 2022 however struggled with accidents, taking part in in solely six Serie A matches final season and two this season. He was dominated out of France’s run to the 2022 World Cup closing as a result of a knee harm.

Pogba helped France win the earlier World Cup, scoring within the 4-2 win over Croatia within the closing. He performed in 178 matches for Juventus from 2012-16.

“As an expert athlete I might by no means do something to boost my efficiency by utilizing banned substances and have by no means disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the groups I’ve performed for, or in opposition to,” Pogba mentioned.

Pogba’s contract with Juventus was slated to run out in June 2026 but it surely might now be terminated early. The Turin membership had no instant touch upon the sentence.

The doping case follows a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was focused by extortionists – together with his older brother Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.

AP author Daniella Matar in Milan contributed to this report.