Paul Pogba gets suspended for anti-doping offence

Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba has been suspended by the Italian anti-doping authority ( NADO) for testing positive for a banned substance.

The French international failed an anti-doping test after Juventus' 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20. The decision to suspend Paul Pogba came after testosterone not produced by the body was detected in the test, according to NADO.

The midfielder could face a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. According to the body, players can be banned for two or four years, which is subject to appeal and a reduction or suspension, if found to have violated its anti-doping regulations, depending on whether it can be proven that the rule violation was intentional.

Pogba came off the bench in Juventus’ next two fixtures before the international break, the 1-1 draw at home against Bologna and the 2-0 win at Empoli.

Juventus have released a statement confirming that Pogba has received a precautionary suspension.

"Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023. The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps."

Things have not gone smoothly for Pogba since he rejoined Juventus from Manchester United having spent most of the 2022/23 season injured.