Pogba heads to CAS to appeal four yeas ban for doping

France and Juventus star Paul Pogba who was banned earlier on Thursday for four years for using performance-enhancing drugs will appeal the ban.

Sky Sport Italia quotes sources close to l Pogba saying the Juventus midfielder will appeal against a four-year ban through the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

The Italian anti-doping tribunal has confirmed a four-year ban for Juventus midfielder  Pogba on Thursday. The Frenchman failed a doping test on August 20, 2023, after an away Serie A game against Udinese, which he had entirely spent on the bench.

Sky Sport Italia reports Juventus won’t comment on the ruling, while Pogba has already decided to file an appeal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

The decision was confirmed by sources close to the player, mentioned by Sky Sport Italia journalist Lorenzo Fontani.

The journalist highlights that Atalanta defender José Luis Palomino won an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport after a doping ban in 2022, proving that he had taken a banned substance unintentionally.

Pogba returned to Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2022 but has only made 12 appearances with the Serie A giants in his second spell at the club.

After five years of injury woes, Pogba now faces suspension after a failed drug test and for many Juventus fans, that was the last straw.

From the onset, the prosecution never bought into the defense’s argument of accidental substance intake – a pivotal point that ultimately swayed the legal proceedings against Pogba. His legal team had vehemently rejected any plea deals, emphasising their belief in his innocence.

The decision marks a significant blow not only to Pogba but also to Juventus, losing a key player to such a scandal. The player’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, leaving a void in the team’s midfield lineup. And after disappointing spells at the likes of Manchester United, after resigning to much fanfare, it now feels like a career that never fully realised its potential.