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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has spoken out following the reduction of his doping ban from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The 31-year-old was initially suspended in March, following a provisional ban in September of the previous year after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Pogba, formerly with Manchester United, successfully appealed the decision, allowing him to return to the field in March 2025.
In a statement, Pogba expressed his relief, saying, “The nightmare is finally over. I can now look forward to the moment when I can chase my dreams again.” He emphasized that he never intentionally violated the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, stating that he had taken a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, which he believed did not affect or enhance his performance.
“I play with integrity, and though I understand this is a strict liability offence, I am grateful to the CAS judges for considering my explanation.”
He described the experience as a “distressing time,” adding that it put all his hard-earned efforts on hold.
The Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal initially issued the ban based on WADA regulations. However, the suspension can be reduced if it is proven that the violation was unintentional, due to contamination, or if the athlete provides “substantial assistance” to investigators.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb confirmed that the suspension will now last 18 months, starting from September 11, 2023.
