After testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Paul Pogba may be subject to a lengthy suspension, it has been suggested.
According to reports from a number of Italian media outlets, including Corriere della Sera, Pogba tested positive for testosterone on August 20th following Juventus’ match against Udinese, a game in which the Frenchman did not even enter the field.
In fact, testosterone can be found in some over-the-counter medications available in pharmacies as well as in anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
According to reports, the Juventus midfielder will be suspended as a precaution and given three days to ask for a counter-analysis of the outcome.
If the positive test is confirmed, Paul Pogba will reportedly be brought before the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which has the authority to impose a two-year suspension. Additionally, if the tribunal is able to show that the alleged doping was intentional, the ban could be increased to four years.
Pogba’s agent, Raiola, is yet to make a response on the situation.
Additionally, it was revealed on Monday that Paul Pogba had thought about quitting football due to alleged extortion and threats from an organized gang, which allegedly included his brother Mathias.
The 30-year-old claimed he was the target of a €13 million (£11.1 million) blackmail plot in a complaint to Turin prosecutors back in July 2022. After a court review, Mathias Pogba was released from custody in December 2022 after being detained in September 2022. All of the accusations made against the 33-year-old have been refuted.
In response to a question from Al Jazeera about the incident’s effects, 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 anymore. 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.”