Paul Pogba is in turmoil: the B sample has confirmed that the player tested positive for doping, but the sentence could be reduced.
Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone in connection with the Juventus vs. Udinese match. The B sample confirmed this, and he faces a potential suspension of up to four years, which could keep him off the field until 2027. The procedure initiated by the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado), following the guidelines of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), outlines a four-year suspension under Article 11.2, paragraph 1 of the Italian anti-doping code.
Pogba would then be 34 years old. However, there’s a catch. Article 11.2, paragraph 2 of the Italian anti-doping code is clear: « If Article 11.2.1 does not apply, subject to Article 11.2, paragraph 4.1, the period of ineligibility is two years. » In other words, if Paul Pogba can prove that this doping was not intentional, he will be suspended for only two years.
Or even just a few months. « If the athlete can establish that ingestion or use took place out of competition and was unrelated to sporting performance, then the suspension period will be three months of ineligibility, » as detailed in the Italian anti-doping code in Article 11.2, paragraph 4.1.