Pogba suffers long term doping ban

Former Manchester united midfielder Paul Pogba has seen his football future thrown into doubt, as the France international has been handed a massive 4 years ban for breaking doping rules.

After testing positive for a banned substance on September 11, 2023, Pogba was suspended from playing. The Juventus midfielder had high levels of testosterone in his body. He has not played for the club since then.

What is Testosterone, and what are the possible effects?

Testosterone is a banned substance in sports because it can boost performance. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists it as an anabolic androgenic steroid. According to the 2022 report of the French Anti-Doping Agency, anabolic agents are the most common drugs found in doping tests (31% of cases). Michel Audran, who used to run the French anti-doping lab, said that it is “one of the drugs that athletes who dope use the most.”

Testosterone is a hormone that can improve athletic performance when taken artificially (by injection, pill, patch, or gel). It mainly helps to build muscle strength – but steroids are more effective for this – and makes athletes more resistant to fatigue. It also stimulates the mind and increases focus and drive.

Athletes from East Germany had a state-sponsored doping program. US cyclist Floyd Landis failed a drug test after winning the 2006 Tour de France. His fellow American Justin Gatlin, a sprinter, was banned from 2006 to 2010 and came back amid controversy.

What next for Pogba

The Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office has asked for a four-year suspension for Pogba, and the National Anti-Doping Tribunal has agreed. Pogba and his lawyers tried to convince Mr Pierfilippo Laviani, who led the inquiry, that the 31-year-old did not know he was taking a banned substance. But they failed to show any evidence. Pogba’s career is now in doubt. He has a contract with Juventus until 2025, but it could be cancelled. Pogba plans to challenge his punishment by going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.