Paul Pogba Faces a Second Positive Doping Test, Attributing it to a Prescribed Supplement
Paul Pogba, the renowned athlete and 2018 World Champion, is facing further complications in his doping ordeal. After a re-examination following his initial positive doping test in August, the presence of testosterone metabolites has been confirmed. This development puts him at risk of a four-year suspension.
In less than a month after his provisional suspension on September 11 by the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado), the 30-year-old former Manchester United player received disheartening news on a Friday. The analysis of his B sample, conducted on Thursday, showed the same presence of testosterone metabolites as the initial A sample.
As an international midfielder with 91 caps, Pogba now confronts the possibility of a ban lasting up to four years under the World Anti-Doping Code. There is a chance for this suspension to be reduced if he can demonstrate that he did not commit the offense or if it is determined that the substance use was “out of competition and unrelated to his level of performance.”
Pogba’s entourage initially explained the positive doping test as a result of a dietary supplement prescribed by a U.S.-based doctor.
Since his suspension, Pogba has not played for Juventus, where he rejoined last summer after leaving Manchester United. He has undergone knee surgery and faced additional injuries during his return to the pitch.Pogba is now required to present his defense within the next seven days to the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which will conduct an inquiry into his case and determine the appropriate penalty. In parallel, the Turin public prosecutor’s office is initiating a judicial investigation as doping is regarded as a criminal offense in Italy.
Pogba is now required to present his defense within the next seven days to the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which will conduct an inquiry into his case and determine the appropriate penalty. In parallel, the Turin public prosecutor’s office is initiating a judicial investigation as doping is regarded as a criminal offense in Italy.
While Juventus has not officially addressed Pogba’s situation, the club has suspended the payment of his approximate annual salary of €8 million until 2026.
The doping controversy constitutes another setback for Pogba, impacting both his professional and personal life during what has been a trying year-and-a-half for the highly skilled midfielder.
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri expressed his sympathy, stating, “I wasn’t aware of the confirmation, and I am sorry about it. We are awaiting further developments; it’s pointless to comment at this stage. On a human level, I am sorry.”
As Pogba navigates this challenging phase in his career, the future remains uncertain for the once-promising World Cup champion.
