Paul Pogba has been found with a positive testosterone doping test result from a backup sample. Pogba, who clinched the 2018 FIFA World Cup championship with France, was detected with elevated testosterone levels during Juventus’ August 20 match against Udinese.
In an unexpected turn of events, Pogba did not make an appearance on the field despite being included in the team lineup. Following his bench role, a drug test was conducted, revealing the presence of testosterone traces in his sample.
The Frenchman was then suspended on an initial cautious basis by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal. He had three days to request his B sample, which yielded the same results. In such circumstances, the maximum punishment is four years – a two-year restriction that can be increased if it is established that the drug was taken on purpose.
The player’s future at Juventus is still unknown. The Turin-based firm is understood to be prepared to suspend his salary if legal action is taken against him as a result of the favourable outcome. If Pogba is banned as a result of the counter-analysis, his contract with the Serie A giants might be terminated.