Pogba's Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months, Set to Return Next March

The suspension, which began on September 11, 2023, will now allow Pogba to return to action in March 2025.

Pogba, currently with Juventus, was provisionally suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping organization (NADO Italia) in September after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance known to increase testosterone levels.

The 30-year-old midfielder has consistently denied wrongdoing, stating that he unknowingly consumed the substance through a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor. Pogba filed an appeal with CAS, which has now ruled in his favor by shortening the suspension.

"Finally, the nightmare is over," Pogba said in a statement. "I have always maintained that I never intentionally violated anti-doping rules. I am grateful to the CAS judges who took my explanation into account, and now I can look forward to pursuing my dreams once more."

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The positive test occurred after Juventus' 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20, 2023. The tribunal cited the presence of "non-endogenous testosterone metabolites," suggesting the substance was externally introduced into Pogba's system.

Pogba, who has a contract with Juventus until 2026, will now be eligible to return to competitive play next March.

SportsLigue