Paul Pogba's drug ban REDUCED to 18 months

Updated: 4 Oct 2024 11:59 CDT
3 min read

Paul Pogba’s four-year drug ban has reportedly been reduced to 18 months, with the ex-France international set to return to competitive action in 2025.

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The 31-year-old tested positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - a banned substance that can raise testosterone levels - after Juventus’ win over Udinese in August 2023.

Pogba demanded counter-analysis, but after a second test also came back positive, he received a four-year footballing ban.

However, The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel and Fabrizio Romano have both reported that Pogba’s ban has been reduced to just 18 months by CAS.

As a result, he will be able to start training with Juventus in January, while March will mark Pogba’s return to competitive matches.

In addition, his initial €5,000 fine has also reportedly been set aside.

Paul Pogba to return to action

Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer in 2022 upon the expiration of his contract at Manchester United.

However, he has only racked up 12 appearances and 213 minutes of action following his return to Turin, due to injury problems and his positive drugs test.

Thiago Motta’s side signed Douglas Luiz, Khephren Thuram and Teun Koopmeiners during the summer, but Pogba is now set to return in early 2025, rather than in September 2027, and he could be reintegrated into the first-team set-up at the Allianz Stadium.

Pogba’s current deal at Juventus runs until 2026 and at 31 years old, he could well be able to still compete at the highest level in Europe.

The Frenchman, who has won 91 international caps during his career and helped his country win the 2018 World Cup, was tipped to join the Saudi Pro League before his doping ban became official.

Read more about: Serie A, Premier League, Juventus, Man Utd, Paul Pogba