Paul Pogba, France’s World Cup winner and Juventus midfielder, is facing a potential four-year ban after Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal requested the harsh punishment, according to a club source.
The news comes after Pogba tested positive for testosterone in September, leading to a provisional suspension. Subsequent reanalysis confirmed the presence of the banned substance.
As the anti-doping investigation unfolds in Italy, the Turin public prosecutor’s office has initiated a separate criminal investigation, as doping is a crime in the country.
“We received notification this morning from the anti-doping agency requesting a four-year suspension for Pogba,” confirmed a Juventus source.
Pogba’s sample was reportedly taken during Juve’s opening Serie A match of the season, a win at Udinese on August 20th, in which he was an unused substitute.
The 30-year-old’s representatives claim the extra testosterone stemmed from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.
While the World Anti-Doping Code allows for a four-year ban, Pogba could see the sentence reduced to two if he demonstrates no fault in the matter.
Furthermore, if the substance’s use was unrelated to his performance and occurred “out of competition,” the ban could be even shorter, lasting only a few months.
Since the positive test, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus and his salary of roughly €8 million per year has been suspended.
The anti-doping prosecutor’s office has concluded its investigation and is now pushing for the maximum penalty.
This leaves Pogba facing a crucial decision: negotiate a plea bargain or face the national anti-doping tribunal in a trial.
With only 52 minutes of competitive action in two Serie A appearances this season, Pogba’s future at Juventus seems increasingly uncertain.
Despite a contract valid until 2026, reports suggest he’s currently receiving a significantly reduced salary of €42,000 per year due to the suspension.
Should Pogba receive the four-year ban, Juventus may seek to terminate his contract unilaterally. With the stakes high and Pogba’s future hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the upcoming anti-doping hearing.
