Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba, has tested positive for testosterone in a counter-analysis on a second sample following his anti-doping offence.
The former Manchester United midfielder was provisionally suspended on September 11, 2023, due to an anti-doping offence.
The France international tested positive for testosterone – a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance – in a random drugs test, following Juventus’ Serie A game against Udinese on August 20, when he was an unused substitute.
After the results of a counter-analysis came back as positive, Pogba risks a suspension of up to four years.
Pogba has been suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal after news that he had returned an adverse sample appeared in September.
When the first adverse sample came back positive, a statement issued by Pogba’s representative, Rafaela Pimenta, read: “We are waiting for the counter-analysis and until then we can’t say anything.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Pogba suspended for anti-doping offence
“The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules.”
The latest development is another negative note for a player who has been beset by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago.
He was ruled out of France’s run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury and played in only six Serie A matches for Juventus last season.
Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.
According to Sky Sports, there has also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists – including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.
It’s also another blow to Juventus following a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments.
The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being removed by UEFA from European competition this season.
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