Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended by Italy’s National Anti-Doping tribunal after allegedly testing positive for testosterone after Juventus played Udinese.
The Serie A match at the Stadio Friuli ended in a 3-0 win for the Bianconeri on August 20 with Pogba an unused substitute.
He was, however, randomly selected for post-match doping analysis with multiple reports in Italy claiming he showed elevated levels of testosterone.
Italian media outlets claim a second test sample must now be checked before it can be confirmed Pogba has failed the test, and sanctions for such offences can involve two to four-year bans from competitive action.
Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that the Juventus player has been suspended provisionally with immediate effect, pending a trial and testing of a backup “B” sample.
His club said in a statement: “Juventus Football Club announces that today the player Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the adverse outcome of the analysis carried out on 20 August 2023. The Company reserves the right to evaluate the next procedural steps.”
Pogba spent much of the summer being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with champions Al Ittihad among those reported to have considered making a move.
Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, Pogba revealed he considered retirement over alleged extortion and threats from a gang, including his brother Mathias.
The France international filed a complaint with Turin prosecutors in July last year claiming he had been the victim of a multi-million Euro blackmail plot.
Mathias Pogba was questioned in September 2022 but released in December under judicial review. The 33-year-old denies all the allegations against him.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, midfielder Pogba, said: “When there is money you have to be careful. Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war.
“Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money any more. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me – not for the fame, not for the money.’
“Sometimes it’s tough. This life, you have to go through it. It will only make me stronger.”
Author
Leave a comment