Italy's anti-doping tribunal chases four-year ban for Pogba

Pallade Veneta - Italy's anti-doping tribunal chases four-year ban for Pogba

SPORTS 07.12.2023

Italy's anti-doping tribunal chases four-year ban for Pogba / Photo: MARCO BERTORELLO - AFP/File

France's World Cup winner Paul Pogba is facing the possibility of a lengthy ban after Italy's national anti-doping tribunal called for a four-year suspension for the Juventus midfielder, a club source told AFP on Thursday.

Change text size:

Pogba, 30, was provisionally suspended in September after he tested positive for testosterone.

A month later a B sample confirmed the presence of the substance.

Proceedings by the Italian sports justice system are underway while the Turin public prosecutor's office has also started a judicial investigation, as doping is a criminal offence in Italy.

"I can confirm that we received this morning this notification from the anti-doping agency with four years (suspension) requested," the Juve source told AFP.

The 2018 World Cup winner's sample was reportedly taken at his club's opening match of the Serie A season, a win at Udinese on August 20, during which he was an unused substitute.

Pogba's representatives said the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba is liable to a four-year suspension, which could be halved if he proves that he was not at fault.

The ban could even be limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place "out of competition and is not related to his level of performance".

Since the announcement of his positive test, Pogba has been unable to train with Juventus, the club to which he returned in July 2022 after six seasons with United.

Juve have also suspended payment of his estimated annual salary of 8 million euros (8.4 million dollars).

E.Magrini--PV

Linda Cerone Steps Down as Nepean Football Association CEO After 28 Years

Linda Cerone, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer of the Nepean Football Association (NFA), has officially concluded her tenure after 28 years at the helm. The outgoing leader, who recently received the prestigious George Churchward Medal for her contributions to grassroots football, stated that she will now prioritize recovery from open-heart surgery and family life, though she remains committed to supporting the sport in a voluntary capacity.

Monaco’s No Finish Line Charity Run Returns for 2026 Edition

Monaco’s iconic No Finish Line charity event is set to return this Saturday, November 14, marking the start of its 27th annual edition. Organized by Children & Future under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the eight-day endurance challenge invites participants of all ages to run or walk around the Fontvieille venue. Every kilometre covered during the event triggers a one-euro donation from the organization to projects supporting sick and disadvantaged children.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Pallade Veneta - Italy's anti-doping tribunal chases four-year ban for Pogba