Since September 11, 2023, Paul Pogba (31 years old) has lived far from the football fields. That day, the Italian anti-doping agency (NADO) revealed that the Frenchman had tested positive for the doping substance DHEA, on August 20, 2023, during the first day of the 2023-24 Serie A against Udinese . Controlled at the end of the match even though he had not entered the game, the French midfielder was caught by the patrol a few days later. “The National Anti-Doping Tribunal announces that, following the request of the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office, it suspends as a precautionary measure the athlete Paul Pogba for violation of articles 2.1 and 2.2. Substance found: testosterone metabolites of non-endogenous origin”the body explained in a press release.
A sanction reduced to 18 months
The start of a long descent into hell for the native of Lagny-sur-Marne, suspended for 4 years (i.e. until September 10, 2027). Despite the difficulties, La Pioche has always proclaimed his innocence and his desire to one day return to the field. “If you haven’t seen one of my interviews where I say I’m retiring, it’s because I’m not doing it, because I still feel like a footballer. I want to fight against this injustice. Pogba is not finished, Pogba is here and until you see me saying I am finished, don’t worry. I have an incredible desire to come back, I feel like a child who wants to be professional. I’m training, I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field.
Last September, the 2018 world champion then appeared before the Swiss courts in Lausanne, who filed an appeal with the CAS. He gave his version of the facts concerning his doping affair. His explanations visibly convinced the CAS, which reduced his sanction from 4 years to 18 months last Friday. The community reacted very quickly to this “victory”. “Finally, the nightmare is over. Following the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can now look forward to the day when I will be able to pursue my dreams again. I have always maintained that I have never knowingly violated WADA regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, and which does not affect or enhance the performance of athletes. male.”
Some avenues already for its future
He added: “I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offense, I would like to thank the CAS judges who listened to my explanations. This time has been extremely trying for me, as everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thanks again for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the field.” It remains to be seen where? Still linked to Juventus until June 2026, he does not fit into the Old Lady’s plans at all. Especially since he has a huge salary of 11 million per year. Asked about it, Thiago Motta clearly hit the mark. The future of the French player should be written far from Turin, where termination remains possible. But he could well bounce back elsewhere.
A few days ago, the Gazzetta dello Sport raised the possibility of him joining Major League Soccer, where several teams have reportedly approached him. The Saudi Pro League is also cited as a possible destination. This Tuesday, UOL reveals that his name is mentioned in Brazil. Indeed, we talk a lot about him there, without necessarily a club having yet gone on the offensive since he is still under contract and cannot yet officially play again. It remains to be seen whether Pogba will be interested in a challenge far from Europe or if he wants to treat himself to one last lap of the dance on the Old Continent. For the moment, the Frenchman’s entourage has confided to The Athletic that it is still too early to make a decision. The player, who will participate in a Kings Cup match in Dubai in November, wants above all to resolve his situation at Juve before embarking on a new challenge.
