Paul Pogba, the renowned footballer, is facing a significant setback in his career as he has been handed a four-year ban from the sport.
This punishment comes after the former Manchester United star tested positive for a banned substance, DHEA, and was found guilty by an anti-doping prosecutor’s office in Italy.
Why has Paul Pogba been banned from football and how long is the ban?
The 30-year-old Frenchman received the four-year ban after his positive test for DHEA, a substance known for its ability to enhance testosterone levels.
Despite Pogba’s claims of unintentional intake, the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office upheld the decision, deeming his suspension necessary.
The suspension period, effective from 11 September 2023, will last until 10 September 2027, preventing Pogba from returning to the field until he nears the age of 35.
Although the World Cup winner plans to appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his future in football remains uncertain.
What did Paul Pogba’s statement say?
Following the verdict, Pogba expressed his dismay on Instagram, stating, “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”
Asserting his innocence, he emphasized, “I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations,” promising to clarify the situation once legal restrictions permit.
Despite the setback, Pogba remains resolute in his commitment to fair play and intends to challenge the decision through official channels.