Paul Pogba tests positive for doping after Serie A game

Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to play with Juventus this season, but a doping accusation mired any further excitement. Following Juventus’ win over Udinese on matchday two, Pogba took a required drug test. Reports in Italy say that test yielded heightened amounts of testosterone. Now, the Frenchman faces a ban that could reach as high as four years.

Pogba returned to Juventus ahead of the 2022/23 Serie A season. He only made his debut in late February as he nursed an injury. Then, after playing only 161 minutes over several games, Pogba picked up another injury. That ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Now fit, Pogba played in two games with Juventus to start this season. However, this doping accusation puts the season on hiatus for Paul Pogba. Reports out of Italy expect Pogba and Juventus to release statements soon on the next steps for Pogba.

Italian publication ANSA reports the drug test came back positive following the Udinese game.

The punishment Pogba faces is two years of suspension. However, if an investigation finds that the midfielder took performance-enhancing drugs knowingly, that two years rises to a four-year suspension.

Paul Pogba doping allegation adds chapter to disappointing career

Once one of the brightest young talents in soccer, Paul Pogba’s career has been a tale of both misfortune and poor decisions. In his first stint at Juventus, Pogba was featured in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2015. His record-breaking move to Manchester United showed glimpses of what he was capable of. He was in the Europa League team of the season on two occasions. Moreover, he was in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year once.

However, a bad string of injuries offset any form Pogba developed. His noted lack of commitment would often get in the way of his phenomenal talent. Now, Pogba faces a four-year ban that could very well end his playing career.

Pogba will undergo a second test to verify the results of the first that identified testosterone in his system. For now, the National Anti-Doping Tribunal suspended Pogba while procedural steps await.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Insidefoto