POGBA PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED FOR ANTI-DOPING OFFENCE

September 11, 2023

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended for an anti-doping offence, according to Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal.

The test, conducted following Juventus’ victory at Udinese on August 20, revealed elevated testosterone levels, a hormone that improves athletes’ endurance.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that Pogba was suspended provisionally with immediate effect. Pending a trial and testing of a backup “B” sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.

Juventus released a statement acknowledging the failed test and said they were considering their next steps.

The news is another negative note for a player who has been bothered by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago.

Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.

There’s also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists – including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.

It’s also another blow to Juventus following a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments. The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being removed by UEFA from European competition this season.