Paul Pogba Set For Return; Doping Ban Reduced To 18 Months

France international Paul Pogba’s doping suspension has been reduced to 18 months from an initial four years. The ban was reduced after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The 31-year-old, who was provisionally suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping organisation in September 2023, is likely to start playing for Juventus again from March next year. 

"The suspension is now 18 months, starting Sept. 11, 2023," CAS director general Matthieu Reeb told Reuters. Pogba, who has a contract with Juventus until June 2026, was suspended after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance known to enhance testosterone levels. He was randomly tested after Juventus' first match of the season. However, Pogba denied any wrongdoing. 

"Finally the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again," the former Manchester United player said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters. With training resuming in January, Juventus fans are likely to see Pogba return to the team just a few months later, offering a major boost to the squad's midfield.