Pogba, previously with Manchester United, faced a provisional suspension in September after a test detected DHEA, a substance promoting testosterone production. This test followed Juventus’ match against Udinese, where he remained on the bench.
Following confirmation from Italy’s anti-doping body in October, the requested four-year ban was imposed, leaving Pogba ineligible to play until August 2027, when he will be 34. This raises concerns about his ability to continue his career afterward.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
How did this happen?
A routine doping test revealed positive results, triggering a standard anti-doping process. As a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Italy’s national anti-doping agency adheres to WADA’s protocols and a banned substance list, clearly outlining and reviewing illegal substances athletes must avoid.
Italian authorities offered Pogba the chance to plead guilty in exchange for a potentially reduced sentence (plea bargain). However, Pogba refused, likely because he maintains his innocence. As a result, the Italian anti-doping agency presented their case to the court, leading to the four-year ban issued on Thursday.
Why the Four-Year Ban for Pogba?
Standard WADA Penalty: This is the typical punishment under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. However, certain circumstances can lead to reduced sanctions.
Ignorance Doesn’t Excuse: While Pogba claims he was unaware of any rule-breaking substance, strict liability applies. Ultimately, he, like all athletes, is solely responsible for what enters his body.
Pogba’s Options and Potential Future
Appeal to CAS: He has the right to appeal his ban to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). This process can be lengthy and potentially involve further appeals to Swiss courts.
Career Impact: Even if his appeal succeeds, Jonathan Johnson, a French football expert, believes Pogba’s career might already be nearing its end. He could potentially return for a couple more years, but the ban significantly impacts his remaining prime years.
Juventus Contract: Termination of his contract with Juventus is a possibility if the ban holds, according to Johnson.
Overall, the situation is complex and carries significant consequences for Pogba’s career, reputation, and future in football.
Pogba’s Doping Timeline: A Chronology of Events
August 20, 2023: Following Juventus’ match against Udinese, where he remained on the bench, Pogba undergoes a standard doping test. The test later reveals the presence of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a substance affecting hormone production.
August 27 & September 3, 2023: Despite the initial test results, he features as a substitute in Juventus’ subsequent matches against Bologna and Empoli.
September 2023: News of Pogba’s positive test breaks, leading to his precautionary suspension by Juventus. He requests a re-analysis of the original sample to verify the initial findings.
October 2023: The counter-analysis confirms the presence of DHEA, prompting his public declaration of innocence through Sky Sports News. His agent further emphasizes his commitment to fair play.
December 2023: Responding to the positive test, Italian anti-doping prosecutors seek the maximum penalty: a four-year ban, aligning with standard WADA regulations for anti-doping violations. Pogba chooses to forgo a possible plea bargain, opting to have his case heard by Italy’s anti-doping court.
February 2024: The National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) in Italy upholds the prosecutor’s request, imposing a four-year ban. Pogba expresses his intention to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If his appeal succeeds, WADA holds the right to further challenge the decision, potentially leading the case to the Swiss federal courts.
August 2027: Considering the suspension’s start date as the initial positive test (August 2023), He remains ineligible to play until August 2027. At his return, he will be 34 years old, nearing 35 by March 2028.
