By Mustapha Jallow
Paul Pogba, the midfielder for Juventus, has been banned for four years by Italy’s anti-doping tribunal for doping violations. Last year, he tested positive for testosterone after his team’s 3-0 victory against Udinese on August 20. In September, the Italian Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) suspended the 30-year-old French international.
FIFA’s anti-doping regulations specify that suspensions for players who violate these rules range from two to four years, depending on whether there is evidence of intentional rule violation. However, Pogba can still appeal his suspension.
NADO detected testosterone not produced by the body in Pogba’s test. He has yet to make a statement after receiving news of his ban from football, which could be a devastating blow to fans worldwide.