Paul Pogba tested positive
Serie A is threatened with a spectacular doping case
September 11, 2023, 8:12 p.m
Italian professional football is said to be facing a spectacular doping case: As various media reports, superstar Paul Pogba from Juventus Turin tested positive for testosterone.
Paul Pogba once moved from Juventus Turin to Manchester United for over 100 million euros, but since his return to the Italian record champions in 2022, the world champion’s career has been in shambles. The midfielder is repeatedly absent due to various injuries; the Frenchman only played six league games for Juventus last season. Last year, the soccer star, who was last in the French national team squad in March 2022, was blackmailed by his own brother.
Now there is the next bad news for the 30-year-old: Pogba tested positive for doping with testosterone on the first matchday of Serie A in Juventus’ game at Udinese Calcio, as the Italian anti-doping agency announced. The professional was therefore temporarily banned. Depending on the results of the B sample and the course of the proceedings, he could face a ban of up to four years. Juve also confirmed the ban. The club reserves the right to evaluate the next steps in the process, the statement said. Pogba was not used in the game.
Just a few days after the game, Pogba spoke about his situation in an emotional interview: “Money changes people. It can destroy a family. It can trigger a war,” said the professional in an interview with Al Jazeera. “Sometimes I was all alone and I was like, ‘I don’t want any more money. I just don’t want to gamble anymore. I just want to be with normal people so they love me for me – not for the fame, not for the money. ‘ Sometimes it’s hard.” According to media reports, there is still talk of Pogba moving to Al Hittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Pogba is said to earn around eight million euros net at Juventus Turin. Last season, the 2022 world champion was on the pitch for 161 minutes, this season it is only 52 minutes after three matchdays. On the third match day against FC Empoli, the world champions came on after 62 minutes – and ended the game with thigh problems. So far, there has been no statement on the doping allegations from the Italian league, the club or the player himself.