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Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba has had his four-year drug ban slashed to 18 months after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
The Juventus man was sanctioned in March, following a provisional suspension in September last year, having tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) accepted the request of the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office to slap a four-year ban on the Frenchman. This is the standard length of a ban under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA).
It meant that Pogba was facing a realistic prospect of retiring from professional football, considering he would not have returned to competitive action until March 2027.
The Daily Mail reveal that Pogba’s ban will now end in March 2025. He can recommence training in January 2025. The World Cup winner’s original €5,000 (£4176) fine has also been set aside.
Reacting to the incredibly positive news, Pogba said in a statement, “Finally the nightmare is over.”
“Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”
“I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.”
“I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation.”
“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold.”
“Thank you again for all the love and support.”
“I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.”
The Mail note that CAS’ final judgement confirmed that Pogba did inadvertently take DHEA. The substance, which boosts testosterone levels, is on WADA’s banned list. The ruling further stated that DHEA only has an effect on females.
Pogba took to X and posted a photo of himself in football boots. He captioned the picture with a sand timer emoji.
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 4, 2024
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