Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for testosterone after counter-analysis tests were conducted yesterday, per Sky Italia.
The revelation comes following an anti-doping test administered after the Udinese-Juventus match on August 20 where he tested positive.
Pogba now faces a challenging legal battle to prove the ‘non-intentionality’ of the positive test.
The anti-doping prosecutor’s office will oversee the proceedings and decide whether to request dismissal from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal (Tna) or send the 30-year-old to trial.
If convicted, Pogba could face a sentence of up to four years in prison – the maximum penalty in such cases. He will more likely face a lengthy ban.
Juventus, seemingly unwilling to tolerate any wrongdoing, were reportedly prepared to terminate Pogba’s contract if his doping test results were confirmed positive.
This move would alleviate the club of a substantial financial burden, saving them approximately €10 million per season in wages.
Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has maintained the player’s innocence, insisting there was no intent to breach doping regulations.
Nevertheless, this shocking revelation casts a significant shadow over Pogba’s career.
He has faced several setbacks since returning to Juventus from Manchester United just over a year ago.
Persistent injuries have hampered his playing time, including a knee injury that sidelined him during France’s journey to the 2022 World Cup final.
Pogba made just six Serie A appearances for Juventus last term. He has not started a game this season, making only two substitute appearances.
His most recent outing was in a 2-0 win against Empoli, during which he reportedly suffered a minor injury in the dying moments of the game.
These disruptions have raised concerns about his ability to regain peak form on the pitch.
Pogba’s life has been further complicated by an ongoing police investigation in France.
Allegations of extortion have emerged, adding another layer of uncertainty to the player’s already tumultuous situation.
