MILAN, Italy – Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after anti-doping authorities detected non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, a banned substance, in his system.
The Italian National Antidoping Organization, NADO, confirmed the suspension in a statement on Monday, September 11, 2023.
NADO said it made the decision for the provisional suspension “in acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Antidoping Prosecutor.”
The organization clarified that the substance detected was consistent with a doping infringement.
According to Italian media reports, the doping test was conducted on August 20, the opening day of the Italian Serie A season.
Juventus emerged as the winner against Udinese in a 3-0 victory, during which Pogba remained an unused substitute.
The test pertained to the ‘A’ sample, and if a subsequent ‘B’ sample also tests positive for testosterone, Pogba could be staring down a four-year ban from professional football.
The statement came after rumors and initial reports flooded Italian press earlier in the day. Pogba had been slated to play for Juventus in their upcoming game against Lazio this weekend.
Paul Pogba, who was a vital cog in France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team, has had a difficult 2022-2023 season plagued by injuries and off-field issues, including a blackmail affair.
He played just ten games for Juventus and was absent from the French squad in the 2022 World Cup due to injury.
If the ‘B’ sample confirms the initial findings, Pogba’s career could be in serious jeopardy.
Not only would a four-year ban derail his professional trajectory, but the ramifications could extend to his market value and sponsorships.
The news comes as a shock to football fans worldwide who have admired Pogba’s skill and contributions to the sport.
It also raises new concerns about doping in football, casting a shadow over the integrity of the game.
Further updates on the situation are eagerly awaited as authorities complete the necessary follow-up tests and evaluations.
