Paul Pogba's Drug Ban Reduced to 18 Months After CAS Appeal

Paul Pogba's Reduced Drug Ban: A Turning Point in His Career

Paul Pogba, the 31-year-old French football star, has recently had his four-year drug ban significantly reduced to 18 months following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision has brought a glimmer of hope for Pogba, allowing him to make a return to play for Juventus starting March 2025.

Understanding the Ban

Pogba initially received a four-year suspension after he tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during the first match of the 2023/24 season. DHEA is a compound known to aid in the production of hormones, including testosterone, which places its usage under strict scrutiny by regulatory bodies.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Ban

• August 20, 2023: Pogba is on the bench for Juventus during a match against Udinese where he tests positive.
• August 27, 2023: He appears as a substitute in a Serie A match against Bologna.
• September 3, 2023: Pogba plays again as a substitute in a match against Empoli.
• September 2023: His suspension is announced, leading to a courtroom battle over his innocence.
• December 2023: Anti-doping prosecutors request a maximum ban of four years, suggesting substantive evidence against him.
• March 2024: CAS reduces the ban to 18 months, acknowledging mitigating factors.

Appealing the Ban

Pogba’s legal team contested the long suspension, asserting that he never intended to break doping rules. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, was adamant about Pogba's innocence, emphasizing that he sought a secondary assessment of the initial positive test.

Despite his efforts, both tests returned positive results, prompting Pogba to face the national anti-doping court without opting for a plea bargain.

Conclusion

The reduction of Pogba's ban is a key moment in his career, offering him a chance to return to the sport with Juventus sooner than expected. As he prepares for his return in March 2025, fans and critics alike are keen to see how this experience shapes his future performance on the pitch.

Stay Updated

This is an evolving story, and more updates will be provided as they occur. For ongoing sports news, analysis, and live coverage, stay tuned to Sky Sports, your trusted source for sports updates.