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How long is Paul Pogba banned from football after doping charge?
The Juventus player, and World Cup winner with France, has received a lengthy ban, potentially ending his top flight career.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been slapped with a four-year ban from football following a doping scandal, as reported by la Repubblica. The verdict comes after the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s request was granted, shedding light on a controversy that has rocked the football world.
Why was Pogba banned for four years?
The French midfielder, aged almost 31, tested positive for DHEA after the Udinese-Juventus match on 20 August. Despite not participating in the game, Pogba was found guilty, having remained on the bench throughout the match until the final whistle blew. This development spells a grim outlook for Pogba’s career, with the cloud of doping allegations hanging over him as he approaches his milestone birthday on 15 March.
From the onset, the prosecution never bought into the defense’s argument of accidental substance intake – a pivotal point that ultimately swayed the legal proceedings against Pogba. His legal team had vehemently rejected any plea deals, emphasising their belief in his innocence.
The decision marks a significant blow not only to Pogba but also to Juventus, losing a key player to such a scandal. The player’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, leaving a void in the team’s midfield lineup. And after disappointing spells at the likes of Manchester United, after resigning to such fanfare, it now feels like a career that never fully realised its potential.