The FORTUNE Pogba risks losing after failed doping test

Carlo Garganese

13 Sept 2023 12:50 BST
4 min read

Paul Pogba, Juventus, 2022-23 — © ProShots

Paul Pogba risks losing out on a fortune in wages if his failed doping test is confirmed.

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The world of football was rocked this week when Pogba tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone.

A blood test taken after the 3-0 Serie A win at Udinese on August 20 - a match Pogba was a substitute in - revealed the adverse finding.

Pogba has now been provisionally suspended and the next step is a B Sample will be analysed by the same laboratory that tested the A Sample.

If a positive test is confirmed, Pogba will be suspended ahead of trial and faces a ban of up to four years.

Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta stated on Monday: “We’re waiting for the counter-analysis and we can’t say anything now.

“For sure, Pogba never wanted to bend the rules — I can guarantee that.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus already hold the right to suspend Pogba’s salary.

And if the B sample confirms a positive drugs test, then there is the possibility that Juventus could have grounds to terminating Pogba’s contract at the club.

© ProShots - Pogba's return to Juventus has been a disaster

Will Juventus terminate Pogba’s contract?

Gazzetta reports that if it is established that Pogba failed his drugs test - advertently or inadvertently - due to medication taken without Juventus’ permission or knowledge then the Bianconeri would have a very strong case to terminating Pogba’s deal.

There are multiple unconfirmed reports in Italy alleging that Pogba took a vitamin integrator - recommended by a friend - while in the United States without Juve’s approval. This it is believed was the likely cause of the positive test.

Pogba’s contract at Juventus runs until 2026.

He earns €8 million a year, plus €2m in bonuses.

This means that if Juventus were to terminate his contract, he stands to lose the best part of €30m in wages.

Juventus themselves would save even more by releasing Pogba as his gross salary is estimated to be over €40m.

Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer of 2022.

However, his return has turned into a nightmare.

He has suffered eight injuries and missed 54 matches since the start of the 2022-23 season. He also sat out the 2022 World Cup for France.

He has started one match for Juventus since returning - a game he limped off from against Cremonese in tears in the first half.

He has played just 214 minutes of football, scoring no goals and providing just one assist.

This season he has made two substitute appearances. He played for 24 minutes versus Bologna and 28 minutes against Empoli. He suffered another injury in the latter that he had since been recovering from.

There is every chance the game against Empoli may be his last one for Juventus.