Paul Pogba: Former Manchester United midfielder banned for Four Years

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned for four years for alleged doping. The former Manchester United player was suspended from the club following a dope test failure in September.

Now the midfielder faces a daunting challenge as he has been handed a four-year ban from football following the violation.

This significant setback came into the spotlight after Pogba, a celebrated France international, failed a drug test conducted on August 20, post-Juventus' opening match of the season. The situation escalated when the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of Italy (Nado) confirmed the presence of a banned substance in a subsequent sample in October.

In light of the ruling, which sidelines him until 2027, Pogba is set to appeal against Nado's decision. At the time of the failed test, Pogba will be 33, marking a substantial pause in his professional career.

The midfielder's entourage has claimed that the player didn't want to break any rule.

"What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule," his agent Rafaela Pimenta said.

The Pogba Doping Substance in Question

The core of the controversy revolves around the detection of non-endogenous testosterone metabolites in Pogba's system, suggesting the intake of external testosterone. Nado's findings indicated these results were "consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds." Testosterone, a hormone, is known to enhance athlete endurance but is strictly prohibited in professional sports without a therapeutic use exemption.

This turn of events not only impacts Pogba's career trajectory, but has raised questions on the honesty of professionals. The coveted French midfielder is a former World Cup winner with France, and has also honed his role as a midfielder with clubs like Manchester United, and recently Juventus.