Paul Pogba doping scandal: how long could the Juventus midfielder be suspended for?

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba’s worst fears could be soon realised. Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal has called for the Frenchman to be given a four-year suspension from playing, despite speculation he could be handed a more lenient punishment. The former Manchester United man tested positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone production, following the Bianconeri’s Serie A match away to Udinese on 20 August, with a B sample later confirming the substance had been in his system.

Midfielder opts not to negotiate plea bargain for two-year ban

The 30-year-old was initially suspended on 12 September and, say La Gazzetta dello Sport, he has opted not to negotiate a plea bargain for a two-year ban which would have seen him avoid going to trial. The 2018 World Cup-winner will therefore face Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal as he looks to save his career. Pogba intends to fight to clear his name and will base his defence on mitigating circumstances.

Juventus slash Pogba’s salary

The France international has struggled to show his undoubted ability on the field in recent times, playing only 10 matches in his first season back in Turin in 2022-23. Due to him not currently being available for selection, Juventus have been paying the midfielder the the minimum wage laid out in the Collective Agreement with the Italian Association of Footballers, which stands at €42,177 ($45,550) gross per year. If his suspension is confirmed, the Serie A giants will be legally permitted to terminate his contract, which runs until 2026.