Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal after testing positive for an anti-doping offence. The test, conducted after Juventus’ victory against Udinese on August 20, revealed elevated levels of testosterone, a hormone known to enhance endurance in athletes.
Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, confirmed Pogba’s immediate provisional suspension pending a trial and further testing of a backup “B” sample. If found guilty, Pogba could face a suspension of up to four years.
In response to the failed test, Juventus released a statement acknowledging the situation and stated that they are considering their next course of action. This incident adds to a series of setbacks for Pogba, who has struggled with injuries since returning to Juventus from Manchester United over a year ago. Last season, he played in only six Serie A matches and missed France’s run to the World Cup final due to a knee injury.
Furthermore, Pogba’s personal life has been under scrutiny with an ongoing police investigation into allegations of extortion, involving his older brother Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.
This suspension also comes as another blow to Juventus, following a turbulent season marked by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments, resulting in their exclusion from European competition by UEFA this season.
The football world awaits the outcome of Pogba’s trial and subsequent actions as the player faces potential consequences that could have a significant impact on his career.
