Paul Pogba: Juventus midfielder provisionally suspended over failed doping test
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 heshowed elevated levels of testosterone.
Italian media outlets claim a second "B" 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 the second 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."
The 30-year-old Pogba has endured an injury-ravaged spell since returning to Serie A from Manchester United last summer, managing just 11 senior appearances in the past 12 months.
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.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has now been provisionally suspended for anti-doping offense. ⚪️⚫️⚠️
Decision has been officially confirmed by Italy’s National Anti-Doping tribunal statement. pic.twitter.com/NbTqsW4gUh
Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, Pogba