Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been handed a four-year ban after testing positive for doping, according to reports from Sky in Italy. The Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) accepted the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office’s request for the standard four-year ban under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA).

The ban, which starts from the time of Pogba’s initial positive test, extends until August 2027, when the French international will be 34 years old. Pogba has expressed his intention to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, stating that he believes the verdict is incorrect and expressing sadness, shock, and heartbreak at the outcome.

Pogba’s doping controversy began in September 2023 when he was suspended after testing positive for testosterone metabolites in August, following Juventus’ game at Udinese. Despite Pogba’s claims of innocence and his intention to clear his name, subsequent counter-analysis also returned a positive result, leading to the Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office requesting the maximum four-year ban.

The ban raises doubts about the future of Pogba’s career, with uncertainties surrounding whether he will be able to continue playing professionally after the ban concludes. The case highlights the significant impact of doping violations on athletes’ careers and underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.

Pogba’s appeal process and the potential implications of the ban on his career and international aspirations remain subjects of keen interest, with further developments expected to unfold in the coming months.