Paul Pogba, seen here in action for Juventus FILE - Paul Pogba, seen here in action for Juventus, can resume his football career after his drugs ban was shortened to 18 months. Photo: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via AFP
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba can resume his football career after his drugs ban was reduced on Friday.
According to reports from the United Kingdom, Pogba can start training with his teammates as soon as January, and can start playing matches in March.
Former Manchester United star Pogba was handed a four-year ban from football in February of this year after failing a drugs test in 2023.
However, after appealing the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ban has been reduced to 18 months.
According to Express, CAS ruled that Pogba inadvertently took DHEA, a banned substance known to enhance testosterone levels. Pogba’s ban was reduced after he was able to prove that he didn’t take it intentionally.
Pogba, a member of France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018, signed a four year contract with Juventus after leaving Premier League giants Manchester United. However, in his first season back at the Italian club, he managed just 10 appearances in all competitions due to injury problems.
Facing the potential of retirement if he was not able to overturn his ban, Pogba has insisted he still has something to give on the field.
"Pogba is here and until you see me say that I’m finished, don’t worry. I have an incredible desire to come back, I feel like a child who wants to be professional. I train, I do everything I can to get back on the pitch,“ the player said during the off-season.
"The latest news is I’m still a Juve player, I have the contract, but I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to the director and coach. There is silence. I think they’re waiting for the outcome of the appeal, but you have to ask them."
IOL Sport
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