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Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to reduce Paul Pogba’s doping ban from four years to 18 months, the Juventus star will return to action in March, next year, reports sportmole.com.
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The former Manchester United man was initially suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for non-endogenous testosterone, and Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal banned him for a full four years.
Pogba – who would not have been able to resume playing until September 2027 had the suspension been upheld – immediately appealed to CAS, arguing that his positive test was the result of a supplement given to him by a doctor.
Earlier this week, it was reported that CAS had slashed Pogba’s ban to 18 months, most of which he has already served, and the Court has now confirmed the ruling with an in-depth explanation of the circumstances.
The supplement responsible for Pogba’s positive doping tests only has a significant impact on female athletes, but CAS insisted that the midfielder should have paid “greater care” and therefore only partially upheld his appeal.
Pogba’s €5,000 (£4,194) fine has also been cancelled by the CAS, although parties can still appeal the Court’s decision to the Swiss Federal Tribunal on limited grounds within the next 30 days.
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Even before the CAS ruling was confirmed on Monday, Pogba released his statement expressing relief at the end of a 13-month “nightmare,” and he is reportedly able to start training again in January before returning to competitive action two months later.
The 31-year-old’s deal with Juventus was not terminated at the start of his ban, and he remains under contract with the Old Lady until 2026, but the two parties are now expected to agree a mutual termination.
Pogba reportedly feels that a fresh start would be the best move for his career, although it is unknown whether the France World Cup winner already has a destination in mind.
Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League could be options if Pogba feels that he has exhausted his career in European football, but should he wish to continue in the continent – and potentially play in the Champions League again – it is not impossible to envisage him going back to France.
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