CAS reduces Paul Pogba's suspension following experts' evidence of unintentional doping

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced on Monday that French soccer player Paul Pogba's doping suspension has been reduced from four years to 18 months. This decision came after experts supported Pogba's explanation that he unknowingly consumed a banned substance. The suspension was initially imposed by Italy's national anti-doping organisation (NADO Italia) in September 2023 when Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a prohibited substance known to increase testosterone levels.

CAS reduced the sentence last week, with Pogba saying his "nightmare is over". The 31-year-old, who has a contract with Italy's Juventus until June 2026, will be eligible to return to football in March. In a statement, CAS said Pogba had argued that his ingestion of DHEA was not intentional and had occurred after he consumed a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida.

"Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level U.S. and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba's anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code...," CAS added. "Mr Pogba's case was supported by several experts. Much of the evidence provided by Mr Pogba was unopposed."

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"The CAS Panel determined, however, that Mr Pogba was not without fault and that, as a professional football player, he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances."

Pogba last played for Juventus in a 2-0 win at Empoli over a year ago. He had a disappointing second spell with Juve due to injuries since he returned to the Turin-based club following his departure from Manchester United on a free transfer in 2022.

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