Paul Pogba has expressed relief as he announces that his “nightmare is over,” following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that reduced his four-year ban for a doping offense to 18 months.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the 31-year-old Juventus midfielder is expected to return to training in January 2025 and be eligible to play again by March.
France international Pogba faced suspension from Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in February following a drug test that revealed heightened levels of testosterone, a hormone known for enhancing endurance, in his system.
Matthieu Reeb, the director general of Cas, confirmed to Reuters that the ban has been shortened to 18 months, effective September 11, 2023.
Pogba expressed relief in a statement, declaring, “Finally the nightmare is over.” Anticipation builds as the prospect of pursuing my dreams once more draws nearer.
“I have consistently maintained that I did not intentionally violate World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I consumed a nutritional supplement that was prescribed to me by a physician, a substance that does not impact or enhance the performance of male athletes.”
“I compete with integrity and, while I acknowledge that this is a strict liability offence, I would like to express my gratitude to the judges of the Court of Arbitration for Sport who considered my explanation.”
“This period has proven to be immensely challenging, as all my efforts and achievements have come to a standstill.”
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba presented his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), providing testimony in person during a hearing earlier this summer.
He has previously stated that he would “never knowingly or deliberately” engage in doping and expressed his belief that the verdict was “incorrect.”
If the initial ban had been upheld, the 2018 World Cup champion would have faced a lengthy absence from the game. He would be unable to compete until 2027, at which point he would be 34 years old.
