02/29/2024 09:48am. Updated on 02/29/2024 4:55 p.m.
One of those players who dazzled the world, but who recently faded into the background was Paul Pogba. The Frenchman was a figure in Russia 2018 when he became world champion, but those moments have long been a mere memory. This Thursday it was confirmed that he received a four-year suspension for doping in a new setback in his career.
The substance that complicated Pogba
The 30-year-old Frenchman found himself in trouble in August 2023 when he tested positive in an anti-doping test after the Juventus-Udinese match, where he was found DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels. The second test carried out in October of that year also confirmed the diagnosis. In this situation, the organization considered that the footballer deserved a four-year sanction without ever stepping on the playing field again and it finally became effective.
Pogba received a harsh sanction. (REUTERS)
The defense of the French
Pogba spoke on his social networks about the sanction, confirmed that “I never violated the anti-doping rules” and warned that he will appeal the ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“Today I was informed of the decision of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping and I believe that the verdict is incorrect. I am sad, shocked and heartbroken because everything I have built in my career as a professional player has been taken away from me.
When free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplement that violates anti-doping rules.
As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to improve my performance by using banned substances and I have never disrespected or misled my fellow athletes and fans of any of the teams I have played for or against.
As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” he said in his defense.
The one who also spoke was Rafaela Pimienta, the footballer’s agent, who emphasized his innocence: “He never wanted to dope”.
In these cases, the penalties are approximately two years, but they can be doubled depending on what substance it is and if it is proven that the ingestion was intentional.
Furthermore, the Frenchman did not prove non-voluntary intake within the seven-day period granted by the Court for the reduction of the sanction, so that was a very important factor in making his situation very complicated.
The continuous injuries that did not allow him to recover his level and this unplanned episode seem to bring even closer the retirement of a 30-year-old midfielder who knew how to captivate the eyes of the world with his great stride and spectacular ball control. Unfortunately for Pogba and for lovers of good football, It seems almost impossible to see the Frenchman shine again with a round on his feet.
The Pogba era seems to have come to an end. (AP)
The support of several fellow footballers
Pogba’s heartfelt statement received a response from several of the players with whom he shared the stage, as is the case of Paulo Dybala. “I love you very much, brother,” wrote the Argentine, with whom he coincided at Juventus. Leandro Paredes also joined in with a heart emoji.
The list is long and includes footballers (active and retired) from all corners of the planet. Juanfer Quintero – they once trained together – was one of them, as was the Colombian Cuadrado, Pogba’s teammate at Juventus. Among others, his former Manchester United teammates, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes, also appear.
Dybala’s response. Paredes’ response.
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