Paul Pogba suspended for doping violation: Juventus star showed increased testosterone, awaits second test

The French player tested positive on Aug. 20

Juventus star Paul Pogba tested positive for enhanced levels of testosterone and has been temporarily suspended, the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal announced. The test came after the match with Udinese on Aug. 20 which Pogba did not play in, according to multiple reports. The punishment could be up to a four-year ban, but a second test is needed to verify the initial results. 

"The National Anti-Doping Tribunal announces that, in acceptance of the request proposed by the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office, it has proceeded to suspend the athlete Paul Pogba as a precautionary measure for violation of articles 2.1 and 2.2. Substance found: testosterone metabolites of non-endogenous origin," the statement read.

Juventus issued a statement after the confirmation of a positive test.

"Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023. The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps," the statement read.

Pogba tested positive for testosterone taken via supplement allegedly prescribed by a doctor Pogba is friends with in the United States, and it's believed that Pogba did not know he was taking a prohibited substance. However, it's not clear yet what kind of defense his legal team will try to discuss with the court, in case he will test positive again. 

He can be suspended up to four years, if found that he knowingly violated doping rules but also up to two years if found that he unknowingly took the banned substance. At the same time, it will be crucial to understand what Juventus will do with him, as he signed a contract when he came back at the club in the summer 2022 running until 2026, worth around €10 million net per season.

There were reports that the Bianconeri wanted to terminate his deal over the summer as the club would save around €30 million. This will be hot topic for the new sport director of the club, Cristiano Giuntoli, who joined the Italian giants in the summer after winning the Scudetto with Napoli last season. 

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Pogba, 30, once the world's most expensive transfer when he left Juve for Manchester United in 2016, rejoined Juve in 2022 but has since played in just 11 matches, dealing with numerous injuries. His time at the club might be over sooner that expected.