Paul Pogba has successfully had his four-year drugs ban reduced to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
This significant ruling marks a major win for the midfielder, with Mail Sport exclusively revealing that his original suspension, which began on September 11, 2023, will now conclude in March 2025.
The 31-year-old athlete faced the grim possibility of retirement from football had CAS upheld the lengthy suspension.
Fortunately, he can now begin to map out the next steps in his career.
Furthermore, it’s reported that CAS’ decision permits Pogba to resume training in January 2025.
Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban has been significantly shortened following his appeal.
The former Manchester United player faced the likelihood of an early exit from the sport if the ban had been upheld.
However, he can now strategize his return to the game and will be eligible to play in March.
Moreover, his initial €5,000 (£4176) fine has also been rescinded.
Pogba expressed his relief in a statement, characterizing the end of this ordeal as the conclusion of ‘the nightmare’.
‘Finally, this nightmare is over.
‘With the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can eagerly anticipate the day when I can chase my dreams once again.
‘I have always maintained that I never knowingly violated World Anti-Doping Agency regulations through a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, which does not enhance athletic performance in men.
‘I play with integrity, and while I acknowledge that this falls under strict liability, I extend my gratitude to the judges at CAS for considering my explanation.
‘This period has been incredibly distressing for me, as everything I have strived for has been on pause.
‘Thank you for all the love and support.’
It was established that Pogba inadvertently ingested DHEA, a substance that elevates testosterone but predominantly affects females.
‘I am eagerly looking forward to returning to the pitch.’
In CAS’ final ruling, it was confirmed that Pogba unwittingly took DHEA, which is included on WADA’s banned substances list.
Importantly, the ruling noted that DHEA’s effects are primarily on females.
Pogba’s appeal was heard at CAS’ headquarters in Switzerland at the end of August, and he has only just received the verdict.
The former midfielder received the ban following his participation in Juventus’ opening match of the 2023-24 season against Udinese on August 20.
Mail Sport previously reported in May that an American clinic, 10X Health Systems, is key to Pogba’s ongoing battle to clear his name, with the clinic highlighted in his appeal documents.
Pogba’s appeal hearing at the CAS headquarters took place at the end of August, and he has only recently been informed of the outcome.
It’s believed there is photographic evidence showing the name of 10X Health Systems on the label of at least one of the pill bottles received by Pogba.
Following the announcement, Pogba shared a sand timer emoji along with a picture of himself in football boots on his X (formerly Twitter) account, suggesting he is counting down the days until he can return to play.
Representatives for Pogba have chosen not to comment. Mail Sport has reached out to CAS for a statement.
