Pogba Faces Potential 4-Year Ban After Failed Doping Test
In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through world football, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (NADO Italia) after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels. The test was conducted following Juventus’ 3-0 victory over Udinese on August 20, where Pogba made a brief substitute appearance.
According to Mostbet sports analysts, testosterone is classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as it enhances athletes’ endurance and recovery. Pogba now faces the grim possibility of a four-year suspension if the backup “B” sample confirms the initial findings.
Paul Pogba during Juventus training sessions earlier this season before his provisional suspension
A Career in Freefall: Pogba’s Troubled Return to Juventus
The 30-year-old French international’s return to Turin has been nothing short of disastrous. Since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United in July 2022 on a free transfer, Pogba has:
- Played just 108 minutes of competitive football across six Serie A appearances
- Missed France’s 2022 World Cup campaign due to knee surgery
- Been involved in a high-profile extortion case involving his brother
- Now faces potential career-ending doping charges
“Pogba’s situation represents one of the most dramatic falls from grace in modern football,” notes Marco Bianchi, Mostbet Italian football correspondent. “From World Cup winner to potentially being banned until age 34 – this could effectively end his top-level career.”
The Extortion Scandal: Pogba’s Personal Turmoil
Before this doping scandal, Pogba had already been dealing with serious off-field issues:
The Blackmail Allegations
In an emotional interview with Al Jazeera, Pogba revealed:
“I almost quit football because of the constant pressure from these alleged blackmail attempts. Money changes people – it can destroy families.”
French authorities are investigating claims that Pogba was targeted by an organized crime group demanding €13 million, with his brother Mathias (who denies wrongdoing) allegedly involved.
Juventus in Crisis: The Bigger Picture
This scandal comes at the worst possible time for Juventus, who:
- Were excluded from European competitions due to financial irregularities
- Finished seventh in Serie A last season
- Are undergoing squad rebuilding under manager Massimiliano Allegri
“Pogba was supposed to be the creative spark in Juventus’ midfield revival,” explains Bianchi. “Instead, he’s become another problem in a season full of them for the Bianconeri.”
What’s Next for Pogba?
The timeline looks grim:
- B Sample Testing: Expected within 20 days
- Potential Ban: 2-4 years if confirmed
- Contract Implications: Juventus may terminate his €8m/year deal
Legal experts suggest Pogba‘s team might argue accidental ingestion, but precedent isn’t encouraging. Similar cases have resulted in lengthy bans.
Final Thoughts
Paul Pogba’s career stands at a crossroads. Once considered among the world’s best midfielders, his combination of injuries, off-field issues, and now this doping scandal have created what Mostbet analysts describe as “the perfect storm of career destruction.”
Will the 2018 World Cup winner ever return to his best? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Mostbet for more in-depth sports analysis.
