France's Paul Pogba handed four-year doping ban

Ex-Manchester United star Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban from football for doping, marking a significant setback for the midfielder.

The suspension was initiated in September after Pogba failed a drugs test while playing for Italian giants Juventus. Subsequent analysis of a secondary sample confirmed the positive result, leading to a decision by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal to impose the maximum penalty allowable.

With the ban in effect, Pogba will be ineligible to participate in any football-related activities until at least 2028, potentially leaving him sidelined until the age of 35. Prior to the confirmation of the secondary sample, Pogba's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, expressed the player's stance, stating, "We are waiting for the counter-analysis and until then we can't say anything. The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules."

Just six years ago, Paul Pogba was at the height of his career helping France 🇫🇷 to win the World Cup in Russia.

Now, he has been banned for four years because of doping. A tragic downfall and decline in what seems to be a never-ending nightmare. 🤯😤😬 pic.twitter.com/j7ISV2p308

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) February 29, 2024

This ban effectively concludes Pogba's tenure with Juventus, as his contract with the club was set to extend until the summer of 2026. His return to Juventus in 2022 from Manchester United was marred by injuries in his first season and limited appearances in the current season before the suspension.

Pogba's international career also faces uncertainty, with his 91 caps for France likely marking the conclusion of his tenure, the last of which was earned in 2022. Despite his contributions, notably winning the World Cup with France in 2018, Pogba's future in the sport remains in question due to this ban.