Paul Pogba ban reduced to 18 months, set to resume play from March 2025

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Paul Pogba's suspension due to doping has been notably reduced from an initial four-year ban to just 18 months, following a successful appeal.

This reduction came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) acknowledged the French footballer's claim that the ingestion of the banned substance DHEA was accidental. Pogba, a renowned international player for France, expressed relief at the decision, describing the end of his suspension as the conclusion of a "nightmare."

Paul Pogba cleared to play in March

The midfield maestro's ordeal began when he was temporarily banned by NADO Italia, Italy's anti-doping agency, in September 2023. This was after tests revealed the presence of DHEA in his system, a substance known to elevate testosterone levels, which is prohibited in professional sports.

In his defense, Pogba presented a narrative that the ingestion of the banned substance was unintentional, stemming from a supplement given to him by a doctor in Florida. This doctor treated various elite athletes from the United States and internationally, providing a semblance of credibility to his recommendations.

The ban's reduction means Pogba, whose contract with Juventus runs until June 2026, can resume playing as early as March.

CAS, in their statement, highlighted Pogba's reliance on the doctor's expertise, aligning with his obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. The panel recognized the player's effort to abide by the code, despite concluding that Pogba, as a professional athlete, could have exercised greater caution.

Pogba's case benefited from considerable support from experts, and many of his claims went uncontested. Yet, the CAS Panel did hold him accountable to some degree, indicating that he bore some responsibility.

The 31-year-old underwent a tumultuous period before getting banned. His move to Juventus from Manchester United didn't materialize as he expected, making just 10 appearances in the 2022-23 season. Last season, the Frenchman only played twice for the Italian giants. His last appearance for France came in 2022.