Paul Pogba says his “nightmare is over” and he “cannot wait to get back on the pitch” after his four-year ban for failing an anti-doping test was reduced to 18 months.
The decision after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) means Pogba will be allowed to resume training with Juventus in January, having already served 13 months of the ban.
“The suspension is now 18 months, starting Sept. 11, 2023,” CAS director general Matthieu Reeb was reported to have told Reuters.
The Athletic has contacted CAS for comment.
Pogba was suspended in February 2024 after testosterone not produced by the body was detected in a test on August 20, 2023, according to the Italian anti-doping agency (NADO).
The 31-year-old Frenchman believed that the verdict was “incorrect” and stated that he would appeal against it at CAS.
That appeal was successful and Pogba will consequently be allowed to return to first-team training in January 2025 and be eligible to return to competitive action two months later in March when his 18-month ban concludes.
“Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again,” Pogba said in a statement on Friday evening.
“I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.
“I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation.
“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.”
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) October 4, 2024
“The reasons for the decision will follow later,“ AFP reported a CAS spokesperson saying.
Pogba was initially handed a provisional suspension by NADO Italia in September 2023 after the failed test, which followed his side’s 3-0 win at Udinese on August 20. He was an unused substitute in that game.
The former Manchester United midfielder’s last competitive appearance came off the bench against Empoli in September 2023.
It is yet to be confirmed if Pogba will be re-integrated into the Juventus team. His number 10 shirt was handed to Turkey international Kenan Yildiz in August 2024.
Juventus are second in Serie A, two points behind league leaders Napoli. They are next in action against Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
GO DEEPER
Paul Pogba: Is this the end?
(Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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