Juventus' Pogba positive for testosterone, risks 4-year ban - ESPN

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone, Italy's anti-doping agency announced Monday.

The test was carried out after Juventus' game at Udinese on Aug. 20. Pogba did not play in the Serie A match, but was on Juve's bench.

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Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that Pogba was suspended provisionally with immediate effect. Pending a trial and testing of a backup «B» sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.

«In acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Anti-doping Prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba,» NADO Italia said in a statement.

The tribunal said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules when they found the prohibited substance «non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,» adding that the results were «consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds».

It's another negative note for a player who has been bothered by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago. He was ruled out of France's run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury.

There's also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists — including by his older brother, Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing. Earlier on Monday, Pogba said he considered retiring as the events unfolded.

Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.

It's also another blow to Juventus following a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments. The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being