After positive drug test, Paul Pogba will appeal doping ban

Paul Pogba has received a four-year suspension from soccer, as per an announcement made on Thursday, due to a positive test for a banned substance in August 2023, according to Reuters.

Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO Italia) provisionally suspended the Juventus star in September of the previous year.

After the provisional suspension, NADO Italia revealed that testosterone, known for its potential to enhance athletic performance, was found in the midfielder's system following Juventus' 3-0 victory over Udinese. Pogba, although present on the bench, did not play in the match.

In response to Thursday's decision, Pogba expressed his intention to appeal, emphasizing that he would never resort to methods aimed at improving his performance.

“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” the French midfielder said on Instagram.

“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me. When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations,” he said.

“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”