Pogba Has Been Pardoned. He Will Soon Be Able To Play

A year ago, the entire football community was shocked by the news that the World Cup winner of the French national team, once one of the best players in the world, Paul Pogba, had tested positive for doping after the first-round match of the Italian championship. His Juventus played away against Udinese and won with a score of 3:0. Pogba spent the entire match on the bench. Testosterone metabolites were found in the Frenchman's body. A second sample also returned a positive result.

Months later, the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal harshly suspended the player for four years. Pogba appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The midfielder claimed that the banned substance was in a dietary supplement recommended by a doctor from the US. And CAS accepted Pogba’s argument.

The Frenchman acknowledged some responsibility and requested a 12-month suspension. The evidence gathered by Pogba's team convinced the CAS experts that using the banned substance was unintentional. His suspension was reduced to 18 months, the €5,000 fine was lifted, and he was advised to be more cautious.

"Finally, this nightmare is over. After the CAS decision, I look forward to the day I can pursue my dream again. It was a very tough period in my life because everything I worked so hard for was put on hold," Pogba said, as quoted by journalist Ben Jacobs on social media.

Pogba can return to training as early as January 2025, thanks to this CAS decision. By March, he will be eligible to play in official matches. However, it seems that Pogba will not continue his career at Juventus. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman wants to leave the Turin club and become a free agent. He believes this is the best option for his career, and Juventus doesn't seem to rely on him too much either. Club representatives have stated that Pogba was a great player but emphasized his long absence.

Moving to a less prestigious club may be the best option for Pogba. He could get the playing time he needs in a mid-table or lower-tier club in one of Europe's top five leagues. Perhaps he could even regain his previous level. Although it's unlikely Pogba will ever reach the heights of being one of the world's best footballers again, it's worth a try.

Published by Patrick Jane
08.10.2024