October 11 – Despite having his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months, Paul Pogba could become a free agent after reports that he was in talks with Juventus about terminating his contract so he can make a fresh start.
In theory Pogba can start training in January and recommence playing competitive football in March. It is being reported he is likely to continue his career away from Juve with the expectation that he will reach a mutual agreement to cut short his current deal, which expires in June 2026.
Pogba has only made 12 appearances for Juventus since returning following his departure from Manchester United as a free agent in 2022. His last competitive appearance was as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 win over Empoli more than a year ago.
Pogba tested positive for testosterone in August last year and was handed the maximum punishment by Italy’s anti-doping court. He immediately appealed to CAS which has now outlined its reasoning behind the reduction in his ban.
“The CAS Panel based its decision on the evidence and legal arguments made that Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida, after Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level US and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba’s anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code,” a statement said.
“Much of the evidence provided by Mr Pogba was unopposed. The CAS Panel determined, however, that Mr Pogba was not without fault and that, as a professional football player, he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances.”
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