Paul Pogba, Juventus star, gets four-year ban for doping

The World Anti-Doping Code mandates a two- to four-year suspension for doping violations, depending on whether it can be proved that the player ingested the substance intentionally. At the time of the initial suspension, Pogba’s agent said the French international “never wanted to break a rule,” and Pogba said Thursday he will appeal his suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” Pogba said in a statement.

“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”

The ban starts from when Pogba was first suspended, meaning it runs through August 2027.

Once considered one of the sport’s top midfielders, Pogba was on his second stint with Juventus after six seasons with Manchester United in England. He played in only eight matches for the Turin-based team over the past two seasons because of injuries and the suspension. Pogba featured on France’s winning 2018 World Cup team and scored a goal in the final against Croatia, but he missed the 2022 tournament with a knee injury.