Last September, French midfielder Paul Pogba, 31, tested positive for doping.
The verdict came in February. Pogba was banned for four years from all football.
But on Friday, Cas (the Court of Arbitration for Sport) confirmed that the ban will be reduced to 18 months.
This means that Pogba will be ready to play again in March 2025. His contract with Juventus runs until the summer of 2026.
Juventus coach Thiago Motta now comments on Pogba’s future.
– It will be the club’s decision what happens to Pogba, he says according to Football Italia and continues:
The rest doesn’t matter.
– Pogba was a class player, but he hasn’t played for a long time. I focus on tomorrow’s game, the rest doesn’t matter.
Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months: A Turning Point in His Career?
In a shocking turn of events, French midfielder Paul Pogba has had his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas)[[1]. This decision comes after Pogba tested positive for doping last September, resulting in a four-year ban from all football in February[[2].
The reduced ban means that Pogba will be eligible to play again in March 2025, a decision that has significant implications for his future in the sport. With his contract with Juventus running until the summer of 2026, Pogba’s return to the pitch could be a welcome boost to the Italian club.
However, Juventus coach Thiago Motta has refused to comment on Pogba’s future, stating that the decision will be left to the club. Motta seemed uninterested in discussing Pogba’s prospects, saying, “The rest doesn’t matter”[[3]. He also acknowledged Pogba’s talent but noted that he hasn’t played for a long time.
While Pogba’s reduced ban is undoubtedly good news for the French midfielder, it remains to be seen how his return will be received by the football community. After a lengthy absence from the sport, Pogba will face significant challenges in regaining his form and standing in the sport.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Pogba’s future, one thing is clear: his reduced ban offers a glimmer of hope for a player whose career has been marred by controversy. Whether Pogba can capitalize on this opportunity and make a successful return to the sport remains to be seen.
Only time will tell if Pogba’s reduced ban will be the turning point he needs to revive his career. For now, the football world waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for this talented but troubled player.
