Paul Pogba's Doping Test Confirmed

 Paul Pogba's Doping Test Confirmed

Paul Pogba's Doping Test Confirmed(Image-Getty)

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba's initial positive doping test has been confirmed through a counter-analysis of a second sample, as reported by Sky Sports and the ANSA news agency on Friday. This confirmation comes a month after Pogba was provisionally suspended from competition.

Pogba's suspension stemmed from a test conducted by Italy's national anti-doping organization, NADO Italia, which detected the presence of testosterone, a hormone known to enhance athletes' endurance. The test was carried out after Juventus' 3-0 victory against Udinese in the opening game of the Serie A season on August 20.

At the time of his suspension, Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, stated that the player had no intention of violating any rules. Pimenta has not provided a comment on the recent confirmation of the doping test results.

NADO Italia declined to comment on Pogba's case, citing privacy regulations. Juventus also refrained from making any comments regarding the situation.

Juventus' coach, Massimiliano Allegri, expressed his lack of awareness regarding the test results, stating, "I didn't know, I found out now. Let's wait... Humanly, I feel sorry for Paul." Allegri made these remarks during a press conference before Juventus' upcoming match against Torino on Saturday.

If found guilty of doping, Pogba could face a suspension ranging from two to four years. His contract with Juventus is set to expire in June 2026.

Paul Pogba, who is 30 years old, has had a challenging second stint with Juventus, primarily due to injuries. He returned to the Turin-based club from Manchester United on a free transfer last year. Throughout the previous season, Pogba struggled with knee and hamstring injuries and underwent knee surgery, preventing him from participating in the World Cup in Qatar with the French national team.

During the current season, Pogba has yet to start a game but has made two substitute appearances, with his last appearance occurring in a 2-0 victory against Empoli.