Paul Pogba Provisionally Suspended After Testing Positive for Testosterone
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone. The adverse finding was discovered in the World Cup winner’s doping test after Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20.
Pogba was named as a substitute for that game but did not make an appearance. He was brought on as a second-half substitute in Juve’s 1-1 draw at home to Bologna on August 27 and in the 2-0 win away to Empoli on September 3.
He has since been sidelined with a back injury, according to Juve’s head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
What Happens Next?
The former Manchester United midfielder will be suspended as a precaution and will have three days to request a ‘B’ sample. If the positive test is confirmed, Pogba will face a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Tribunal in Italy, unless he admits to taking the banned substance.
If found guilty, Pogba faces a ban of up to two years but if it is proven that he took the substance intentionally, the suspension could increase as high as four years.
Background
Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer in July last year after his contract with United expired. The 30-year-old, who joined United for £89 million in 2016, was sidelined for a large part of last season and was forced to miss the World Cup after requiring knee surgery.
Pogba ended up making his second debut for Juve at the end of February but was then dropped from the squad the following week due to disciplinary reasons after turning up late for a team dinner.
Conclusion
Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone and faces a ban of up to two years if found guilty. The former Manchester United midfielder will have three days to request a ‘B’ sample and will face a hearing with the National Anti-Doping Tribunal in Italy if the positive test is confirmed. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.