In a shocking turn of events, it has been reported that Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba has received a four-year ban from playing football.
This comes after the World Cup winner tested positive for doping. The football world is left stunned by this news.
According to Sky Sports, Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) accepted the request of the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office to hand out the four-year ban – which is the standard length of ban under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA).
According to reports, the ban imposed on Paul Pogba will commence from the time of his initial positive test. This means that the talented France international will be prohibited from participating in any football activities until August 2027.
Considering that he will be 34 years old when the ban concludes, there are concerns about whether his career will continue beyond that point.
In a statement from Pogba later on Thursday, he confirmed he will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. He added he would tell his full story ‘when I am free of legal restrictions’.
“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” the statement read.
“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.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
It is likely WADA will appeal against any ruling from the CAS and a final judgement could end up at the Swiss courts. Juventus are not commenting.
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