PAUL POGBA will be able to return to Juventus training in just 12 weeks after having his doping ban reduced.
The midfielder was suspended for four years in February after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA.
However, his ban has now been reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
He will now be free to return to training with the Italian giants in January as a result.
Meanwhile, he can start playing matches again from March following the ruling.
The 31-year-old’s initial £4,178 fine has also been set aside, the report adds.
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Pogba’s suspension had commenced on September 2023, with the former Manchester United man facing possible retirement after CAS upheld the four-year ban earlier this year.
He immediately made his intentions to appeal against the ban clear at the time.
According to the report, though, CAS final judgement confirmed that Pogba inadvertently took DHEA, a substance which boosts testosterone.
It is also currently on WADA’s list of banned substances, but the ruling states that DHEA only has an affect on females.
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Responding to the reduced ban, 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 Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.
What is DHEA?
PAUL POGBA tested positive for elevated levels of DHEA, a hormone that naturally occurs in the adrenal gland, in August 2023.
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can be used to naturally boost testosterone production. It does not produce testosterone itself.
It is on the world anti-doping banned substances list and carries a maximum of four years if the athlete took it deliberately to enhance their performance.
DHEA can legally be sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary product, known as prasterone.
It is also taken as an anti-ageing therapy, and to treat depression and the symptoms of menopause, although there is little evidence to suggest it is effective, and it can cause serious side effects.
In 2022, UFC fighter Bobby Green received a six-month ban after testing positive for a DHEA.
Green said he had not realised that DHEA was banned after seeing a video on YouTube, and took the supplement after his wife bought it from a supermarket.
“This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.
“Thank you for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!”
Pogba has not played since appearing off the bench against Empoli back in September 2023.
He made just two appearances for the Old Lady before his ban came into affect.
The initial suspension had seen him banned from playing until late 2027, by which time he would be 34-years-old.
Pogba returned to Juventus from United on a free transfer in 2022, signing a four-year deal with the club.
Across two spells in Turin, he has made 190 appearances and scored 34 goals.
The World Cup winner has also won nine major trophies in Italy, including four Serie A titles.
Upon receiving the news, Pogba took to X to welcome the decision, as he posted a picture of himself in France football socks with a sandtimer emoji.
However, Juve could now look to cash in on the midfielder now he has been cleared to make an early return to the pitch.
He has largely spent his ban away from the club since his suspension.
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Just last weekend, he was spotted in the stands for Inter Miami’s MLS clash with Charlotte.
Lionel Messi scored as his side drew 1-1 at Chase Stadium, with his side then claiming the Supporters’ Shield against Columbus Crew on Thursday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
