Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended by the Italian anti-doping authority (NADO) after the Juventus midfielder failed an anti-doping test following his side’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20.
Pogba’s suspension comes after testosterone not produced by the body was detected in the test, according to NADO.
The 30-year-old was an unused substitute in that game as Juventus won 3-0 in Udine.
According to FIFA, players can be banned for two or four years, subject to appeal and a reduction or suspension, if found to have violated its anti-doping regulations, depending on whether it can be proven that the rule violation was intentional.
After the Udinese win, Pogba came off the bench in Juventus’ next two fixtures before the international break, the 1-1 draw at home against Bologna and the 2-0 win at Empoli.
Juventus confirmed Pogba’s suspension in a club statement adding that: “The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”
Club statement
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) September 11, 2023
The 30-year-old has returned to action this season having missed the majority of the last campaign with knee and hamstring injuries. He rejoined Juventus last summer after his contract at Manchester United ended after six years at the Old Trafford club, but made only 10 appearances in 2022-23.
Pogba was not included in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the September internationals. He last played for his national team in a friendly against South Africa in March 2022.
Juventus return to Serie A action on Saturday, when they host Lazio.
The Athletic has contacted Juventus and Pogba’s representatives for comment.
(Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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