After being temporarily suspended for a month, Juventus player Paul Pogba’s positive drug test was verified through a counter-analysis of a second sample, according to Sky Sports and ANSA news agency on Friday.
After a test from Italy’s national anti-doping (NADO Italia) tribunal revealed the presence of testosterone, a hormone that improves athletes’ endurance, Pogba was given a temporary suspension last month.
Following Juve’s 3-0 Serie A season-opening win against Udinese on August 20, the test was conducted. Invoking privacy laws, NADO Italia declined to provide further details on Pogba’s situation. Juventus chose not to speak on the situation as well.
Pogba never meant to violate the regulations, according to his own agent Rafaela Pimenta at the time. Pimenta was approached by Reuters but did not respond when asked for comment. He said, “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.”
Massimiliano Allegri, the Juventus manager spoke to the media ahead of the Turin derby. He was questioned about the Paul Pogba situation. He said, “I didn’t know about the confirmation, I am sorry. We are waiting for what’s coming next, it’s useless to comment now. Humanly, I am sorry.”
Pogba may face a two- to four-year suspension if proven guilty of doping. In June 2026, his deal with Juve will come to an end.
Paul Pogba’s poor run in 2022 and 2023
The 30-year-old Pogba didn’t play in the victory against Udinese. For a player who has struggled with ailments ever since returning to Juventus from Manchester United just over a year ago, the doping case is just another setback.
He only participated in six Serie A games for Juventus this past season after a knee injury kept him from helping France reach the World Cup final the previous year.
Police in France are also looking into claims that Pogba was the victim of extortion, particularly by his sibling Mathias, who has refuted any involvement.
Fans react as Paul Pogba tests positive for doping once again in counter analysis:
? BREAKING: Paul Pogba has tested doping positive also to backup sample today.
?? Juventus will now decide how to proceed with his contract as Pogba faces risk of long-term ban. pic.twitter.com/SzLedWaTey
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2023
“Just a few yewrs ago” 8 years ago
— I miss him?? (@CP80_MCFC) October 6, 2023
Pogba could have been one of the midfield greats of his generation , if he didn't make that move back to Manchester Unitedpic.twitter.com/nukpnbOWaM
— Out Of Context Sports (@nocontextsporty) October 6, 2023
Thank u Pogba pic.twitter.com/RQdx1EPxqi
— Rivaul (@Wanrinho) October 6, 2023
Why doping?
— Izi Gab (@IziGab1) October 6, 2023
Paul Pogba is one of the best footballers, I don't understand why he did that ?
— Zunny (@Zunny06) October 6, 2023
Unfortunate news about Paul Pogba's doping test. Let's hope for a fair resolution to this situation.
— Chhichhaledar (@chhichhaledar) October 6, 2023
