Paul Pogba is without a doubt one of the greatest midfielders of the modern football era. The Frenchman’s skills and gamesense made him popular among European clubs, but his popularity is now decreasing due to a recent doping case.
The 2018 World Cup winner was tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ first game of the league against Udinese on August 21, following which he asked for a counteranalysis. The results of the second drug test are now out, and it has pushed Paul Pogba further into the ditch.
Paul Pogba tests positive after second sample
After joining Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in July 2022, Paul Pogba remained out of action for the majority of the last season after suffering from multiple prolonged injuries. The French footballer only recently regained his fitness and made appearances against Bologna and Empoli before the results of his first drug tests were confirmed. He received a ban from the Italian anti-doping authority and was given three days to produce a counter sample.
The 30-year-old may face some difficulties in the future as the result of his second sample has also come out to be positive. The substance found in his body is DHEA, which is known to boost testosterone levels.
Pogba claims he has no idea how the substance got into his body, but he admitted to taking some supplements without consulting with the club’s doctors. He said that the supplements were provided by a friend of his who is also a doctor.
Potential punishment for the Juventus man
The recent events have surely put Paul Pogba in a tough spot, and it seems impossible for him to escape punishment. The Juventus star midfielder could be looking at a two-year ban, which can be extended to four years if it is found that the substance was taken deliberately.
Pogba is currently 30 years old. He only has a few more years before retirement, so a ban like this at such a time is going to prove even more disastrous. Juventus’ sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, was also waiting for the counteranalysis result to make a decision about the player. “Termination of the contract? We wait, and then we will decide with Pogba’s camp how to proceed. It’s just time to look forward,” he said.
It is clear from the Italian’s words that he is not afraid of sacking Paul Pogba and will look at other options available to him. Besides the ban, Pogba may also lose his contract, and it will be hard for him to find a new club after the ban ends.
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