Paul Pogba has declared that his nightmare is over after successfully appealing his four-year ban for a doping offense. The ban has now been reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), allowing the Juventus midfielder to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive play in March.
The 31-year-old French international had been suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (NADO) in February after elevated levels of testosterone were detected in his system during a routine drug test. Testosterone, a hormone that enhances endurance and physical performance, was found following a test conducted on Pogba in September 2023.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb confirmed that the ban was reduced to 18 months, backdated to 11 September 2023. The decision marks a significant victory for Pogba, whose original suspension would have kept him out of football until 2027, by which time he would have been 34 years old.
In a heartfelt statement, Pogba expressed his relief and gratitude, saying: Finally the nightmare is over. 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.
Pogba continued I play with integrity and, although I must accept that this is a strict liability offense, 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.
The case has been a turbulent chapter in Pogba’s career. The former Manchester United star took his appeal to CAS earlier this year and personally presented evidence during a hearing in the summer. Throughout the process, Pogba has consistently maintained his innocence, insisting that he would never knowingly or deliberately use a banned substance. He also publicly criticized the original verdict, stating that it was incorrect and pledging to clear his name.
The ban’s reduction comes as a lifeline for the 2018 World Cup winner, whose career had been thrown into jeopardy. Pogba’s absence from the pitch has not only impacted his professional standing but has also been a source of personal anguish. Known for his charisma and unique talent, Pogba’s career has often been marked by highs and lows, with injuries, controversies, and inconsistency overshadowing moments of brilliance.
For Juventus, Pogba’s return could prove to be a significant boost. The Italian club has stood by the midfielder throughout his ordeal, though his absence left a gap in their squad. With a March return now on the horizon, Pogba will have an opportunity to rebuild his career and silence critics who have questioned his discipline and professionalism over the years.
Had the initial four-year suspension been upheld, it could have effectively ended Pogba’s career at the top level. However, the CAS ruling provides a chance for redemption for a player who once captivated global audiences with his skill and flair.
As Pogba prepares to return to football in 2025, the reduction of his ban marks a turning point in what has been one of the most challenging periods of his life. For now, he can focus on rebuilding his reputation and fulfilling the potential that has long defined his career.
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