'Nightmare is over' - Pogba ban reduced to 18 months

 

 In a dramatic turn of events, Paul Pogba's four-year doping ban has been significantly reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision paves the way for the French midfielder to return to competitive football in March 2025.

Pogba, 30, was initially banned for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a banned substance that raises testosterone levels, following a Serie A game against Udinese in August 2023. The Juventus star maintained his innocence, claiming he never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations.

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The CAS announced the reduced ban, stating that Pogba's suspension will start from September 11, 2023. This means the French international can resume training with Juventus in January 2025 and compete in matches from March 2025.

In a statement, Pogba said: "Finally the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.

"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes.

"I play with integrity and, although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation.

"This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold."

The reduced ban is a significant boost for Juventus, who will welcome Pogba's return for the season's crucial second half. Pogba's experience and skill will be invaluable in the club's pursuit of domestic and European success.

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Paul Pogba's reduced ban is a testament to the fairness of the CAS. With his return imminent, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the French midfielder's comeback.