Juventus’ Paul Pogba suspended for doping

Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba has been placed under provisional suspension following the detection of the banned substance testosterone in a doping control, as reported by Italian anti-doping authorities (NADO) to AFP on Monday.

“The National Antidoping Tribunal informs that, in acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Antidoping Prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba,” NADO said in a statement to AFP.

NADO specified that the “prohibited substance detected” was “Non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,” which is indicative of a potential doping violation.

According to reports in the Italian press, the doping test was conducted on the opening day of the Italian Serie A season during Juventus’ 3-0 victory over Udinese on August 20. Pogba, aged 30, was an unused substitute in that match.

This pertains to the ‘A’ sample, and if the ‘B’ sample also confirms the presence of testosterone, Pogba could be facing a four-year suspension.

NADO issued a statement on Monday to provide clarity on the reports circulating in the Italian press. Pogba, who was hopeful of playing for Juventus against Lazio over the weekend, now faces an uncertain future.

Paul Pogba, once a star player in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, experienced a challenging 2022-2023 season marred by injuries and a blackmail scandal. He made only ten appearances for Juventus during that season and missed the 2022 World Cup with the French national team.