Pogba Faces Four-Year Ban: Legal Battle Unfolds

 Pogba Faces Four-Year Ban: Legal Battle Unfolds

Patrice Evra and Paul Pogba stand on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 26, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.(Image-Getty)

Paul Pogba, who tested positive for dope, wants to fight in court. If he cannot prove himself innocent there, he can be sentenced to four years. Italy's anti-doping lawyers have sought a four-year ban against the French footballer.

Pogba was temporarily banned last September due to a positive dope test. He claimed to be innocent at that time. In this regard, the Italian Anti-Doping Agency conducted another test and got the result 'positive'. Pogba's ban could have been reduced to four years if he had pleaded guilty to testing positive. However, the 30-year-old Juventus midfielder did not accept responsibility, according to Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport. Now the matter will be settled in court, Pogba will fight in Italy's National Anti-Doping Court.

After the Serie A Udinese-Juventus match on August 20, Pogba's sample was tested for the presence of a banned drug. According to the authorities, the test showed an increase in the level of testosterone (the main steroid hormone in men, which is produced in the testicles). Testosterone helps players increase their strength on the field.

Later, on October 6, a 'counter-analysis' of the sample came up with the same result. A four-year ban is usually imposed for taking a prohibited drug. And with Pogba admitting it, the amount was likely to decrease further. However, as that was not the case, the lawyers on Thursday demanded his maximum ban of four years.

Now he will be banned for four years if found guilty after trial in court. In that case, he will have to stay out of the field till the age of 34 years. For now, it remains to be seen whether Juventus will keep the deal with Pogba. Because the last agreement between the two parties signed last year is valid till 2026. Although Pogba is currently out of the game due to a temporary ban.