French footballer Paul Pogba has expressed immense relief after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his doping ban from four years to 18 months. The Juventus midfielder had originally been sanctioned in March 2023, following a provisional suspension imposed in September 2022 after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels, specifically dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.
Pogba, who was a key figure in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and had also played for Manchester United, maintained his innocence throughout the process, claiming the testosterone increase resulted from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. He stated that he had unknowingly taken the substance, which did not enhance or affect male athletic performance, and never intended to breach any anti-doping regulations.
Following the CAS ruling, Pogba took to social media to express his joy and gratitude. Posting an image of his football boots personalized with his initials, the French flag, and two stars representing France’s World Cup victories, he wrote: “Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.” He emphasized that he had always played with integrity, and while accepting that this was a strict liability offense, he was thankful to the CAS judges for considering his explanation.
The initial four-year ban had been imposed by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal, a standard length according to WADA’s rules. However, WADA regulations allow for the reduction of a ban if the athlete can demonstrate that the violation was unintentional, resulted from contamination, or if they provide substantial assistance to investigators. Pogba’s defense focused on proving the unintentional nature of the violation, and his appeal to CAS successfully led to the reduction in the suspension. CAS director general Matthieu Reeb confirmed the ruling, stating, “The suspension is now 18 months, starting from September 11, 2023.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, Pogba described the situation as one of the most distressing periods of his career. “This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard for has been put on hold,” he said, adding his deep gratitude for the love and support he received throughout the process. He had earlier expressed his shock and heartbreak when the initial decision was announced, stating, “I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”
Pogba’s ban now officially ends on March 11, 2025, just days before his 32nd birthday, paving the way for his return to competitive football. His journey has been fraught with emotional and professional challenges, but with the ban now reduced, Pogba is already looking forward to stepping back on the pitch. “I can’t wait to get back on the field,” he added, expressing hope for the future as he prepares for his comeback.
The reasons behind CAS’s decision will be released later, but for Pogba, this marks the end of a tumultuous chapter, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his career and moving forward.
SOURCES
- https://punchng.com/pogba-reacts-to-reduced-drug-ban/?amp
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/10/nightmare-is-over-pogba-breaks-silence-after-reduced-drug-ban/#google_vignette
