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French footballer Paul Pogba expressed his relief on Friday after his doping ban was officially reduced from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Following the announcement, Pogba took to social media to share his joy, posting an image of his feet in personalised football boots, adorned with his initials, the French flag, and two stars marking France’s World Cup victories.
Pogba reacts to reduced drug ban
“Finally, the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again,” Pogba said, as quoted by sports journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday.
The Juventus midfielder had been handed a four-year ban by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February 2023, after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels following a Juventus-Udinese match in August.
Pogba, however, has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that the testosterone came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States, which he had unknowingly taken.
“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,” Pogba added.
Pogba’s ban now runs from September 11, 2023, meaning he will be eligible to return to competitive football on March 11, 2025, just days before his 32nd birthday.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Pogba described it as one of the most challenging periods of his career.
“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard for has been put on hold,” Pogba said, adding his gratitude for the support he has received throughout the process.
“Thank you for all the love and support,” he added.
Pogba was a key figure in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and had collected four Serie A titles with Juventus during his first spell at the club.
With his ban shortened, Pogba is already looking forward to his return.
“I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!” he added.
A CAS spokesperson confirmed the ruling, stating, “An 18-month suspension with effect from 11 September 2023. The reasons for the decision will follow later.”
Pogba’s initial suspension had been imposed in September 2023 after his provisional ban, and he had been vocal about his shock and heartbreak when the original decision was announced.
“I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me,” Pogba had posted earlier.
