Paul Pogba is facing a provisional suspension from playing after a recent drug test detected elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
The National Anti-Doping Tribunal (Nado) in Italy conducted the test following Juventus’ 3-0 victory against Udinese on August 20. Pogba, a 30-year-old French international who was an unused substitute in that match, was chosen randomly for post-game drug screening.
If found guilty of doping, Pogba could potentially face a ban ranging from two to four years. Juventus released a statement on September 11, 2023, announcing Pogba’s precautionary suspension by Nado and reserving their right to consider subsequent steps in the proceedings.
Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, stated that they are awaiting the results of a second sample and refrained from forming an opinion until then. She emphasized that Pogba had no intention of violating any rules.
Nado disclosed that Pogba had violated anti-doping regulations when they discovered prohibited substances known as “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,” with results indicating an external source for these compounds. Testosterone is a hormone known to enhance athletes’ endurance.
Pogba has a three-day window to provide a counter-analysis of the test results to Nado.
Juventus reacquired Pogba on a four-year contract in July 2022 after he left Manchester United as a free agent. However, his return to Turin has been marked by persistent injury issues, which also caused him to miss the previous year’s World Cup in Qatar.