Why does Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba say he tested positive for testosterone?
Former Manchester United man Pogba failed a drugs test after Juve’s win at Udinese and could face a number of punishments.
Paul Pogba faces an uncertain future in professional soccer after testing positive for testosterone in a drugs test carried out after Juventus’ Serie A match on 20 August. The French midfielder, who is facing a four-year ban from the sport, has, however, attempted to categorise his presumed offence as an honest mistake, according to an ESPN source.
Pogba awaiting results of B sample
The 30-year-old is currently waiting to find out the results of his backup B sample, which is used to verify the accuracy of the A sample, taken in the initial test. Should the B sample also come back positive, which is expected to be the case, there would be no doubt about Pogba’s culpability.
‼️ Paul Pogba admitted to Juventus management that he had taken testosterone. His time at the club is now coming to an end. [@SkySport] #Juventus pic.twitter.com/KCrtEIgvPv
— Juventus News Live (@juvenewslive) September 13, 2023
How does France star explain his positive test?
In any case, it has now been suggested that the former Manchester United star has admitted to Juventus taking nutritional supplements prescribed to him by a friend who works as a doctor in Miami, not knowing that they contained testosterone. As per ESPN, the supplements in question are obtainable in the United States but not in Italy.
Pogba is said to regret not informing the Serie A giants of his intention to take the supplements or check with the club doctors that they were above board. The “honest mistake” angle is expected to form the basis of his defence when it comes to him being handed a punishment.
What punishments could Pogba face?
As drug doping is a criminal offence in Italy, the Frenchman could face criminal, as well as sporting, charges, while his employers have claimed there is a possibility they could terminate his contract, which expires in 2026, if he is found guilty and subsequently suspended from soccer. Juve have stopped paying his $8.6 million-per-season salary until the results of his B sample come back.