Paul Pogba’s Four-Year Doping Ban Reduced To 18 Months After CAS Appeal

World Cup winner, Paul Pogba’s four-year ban for doping has been cut down to 18 months after a successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The midfielder, who tested positive for the banned substance dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during the first match of the 2023/24 season, will be eligible to return to play for Juventus starting in March 2025.

“The suspension is now set at 18 months, beginning September 11, 2023,” CAS director general Matthieu Reeb told Reuters.

In a statement, Pogba expressed relief, saying, “Finally, the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.”

He reiterated, “I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.”

Paul Pogba emphasized his commitment to playing fairly and thanked the judges for considering his side of the story.

He said, “I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation.

“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.”

The 31-year-old hasn’t played since August 2023 after testing positive for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels, following Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese.

KanyiDaily recalls that Paul Pogba was temporarily suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal in September 2023, leading to a four-year ban in February 2024.