“Finally the nightmare is over,” said Paul Pogba after his ban was reduced from four years to 18 months. The French midfielder expressed gratitude and relief at seeing a light at the end of the dark tunnel he had been trapped in for so long.
Seven months after being banned for doping, Pogba has been informed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that he has been partially successful in his appeal, opening the door to a return to action in March 2025.
Paul Pogba was delighted to receive the good news from CAS. Instead of being labelled a “doping cheat”, the former Manchester United player was found to have accidentally taken a dietary supplement containing a banned substance. Previously, if the ban had been extended to four years (until March 2027), Pogba’s career would have been over. Now, he can return to training in January 2025 and play from March 11, 2025.
Pogba's last appearance was nearly 17 months ago. Since returning to Juventus in the summer of 2022, on a contract worth €500,000/week, the French star has only made one official appearance due to persistent injury problems.
The "nightmare" Paul Pogba spoke of has lasted for years, starting with an unhappy time at Manchester United. At his appeal hearing on August 30, 2024, Pogba told CAS that it was his impatience to end his injury that led him to use a dietary supplement containing a banned substance (based on a doctor's prescription).
However, there was no sympathy from Juventus's board. They were unhappy with the French midfielder's difficulty in regaining fitness in his first season back. Using supplements without informing the club was considered irresponsible behavior.
At the time, an immediate termination of his contract was discussed but could not be carried out while Pogba awaited the outcome of his appeal. Instead, he was ordered to train away from the club’s facilities with his wages reduced to €2,000 a month.
Returning to football life, some future destinations for Pogba have been suggested such as MLS or Saudi Pro League. However, the midfielder born in 1993 will focus on finishing his contract with Juventus and trying to regain his form and fitness. From there, he will consider "spreading CVs" to find a new job.
The CAS reduction is a positive development, but it does not mean that Pogba will regain his peak form. Now over 30 years old, with a history of injuries and a long absence from the game, it will be difficult for Pogba to stay at the top level in Europe.
