Pogba could be banned from playing for four years

Italy Paul Pogba's B sample tested positive, meaning a suspension period of years.

On October 6, Gazzetta reported that Pogba's B sample tested positive, just like sample A. Previously, after the Juventus - Udinese match in Serie A on August 21, the Serie A Organizing Committee took a sample, even though Pogba was only on the bench. The banned substance found in his body was DHEA, a substance that can increase testosterone levels.

After the A sample tested positive, the Italian Anti-Doping Tribunal imposed a temporary ban and gave him three days to request a B sample. With both samples testing positive, Pogba will be out of action for at least two years. The sentence will be increased to four years if the court proves the player intentionally used the banned substance.

Pogba returned to play for Juventus after nearly a year of injury, in a 1-1 draw with Bologna on August 27. Photo: Juventus — Pogba returned to play for Juventus after nearly a year of injury, in a 1-1 draw with Bologna on August 27. Photo: *Juventus*

According to Sky Sports , Pogba could face being sacked by Juventus, entering a plea bargain or being tried in court. The 30-year-old midfielder has played just 12 games for Juventus since the summer of 2022, including two this season. The Italian club is paying Pogba a salary of $8.3 million per year.

"The club reserves the right to consider further procedures," Juventus said when it received notice that sample A tested positive on September 11.

Pogba was once a top player, but has struggled since returning to Man Utd in 2016. During his six years with the "Red Devils", the 2018 World Cup champion was often criticized for his playing attitude and was under pressure from the $116 million transfer fee. After returning to Juventus on a free transfer, he missed most of the 2022-2023 season due to injury.

Pogba has also had trouble off the pitch. Last year, a group of masked, armed men broke into his Paris apartment, threatening Pogba and demanding millions of dollars for “protection services.” His brother, Mathias, was subsequently jailed for three months while police investigated his role in the blackmail plot.

'Money changes people, it can break up a family and start a war,' Pogba said after the blackmail. 'Sometimes I think I don't need money and I don't want to play football anymore. I just want to be a normal person, so that people love me for me, not for fame or money. Sometimes it's difficult.'

Pogba's peak was winning the 2018 World Cup with France. In the final victory over Croatia 4-2, the 30-year-old midfielder contributed a goal to make the score 3-1, a turning point. Last year, due to injury at Juventus, Pogba missed the chance to help France defend the championship in Qatar. At club level, he won four Serie A titles with Juventus and one Europa League with Man Utd.

Thanh Quy (according to Gazzetta, Sky Sports )

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