Pogba tests positive for testosterone, risks 4-year ban

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.

“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.

The Star