Why Paul Pogba will be in attendance for France's Euro 2024 clash with Belgium despite doping ban – explained

Paul Pogba may be serving a global football ban, but the World Cup winner will be in attendance for France’s clash with Belgium at Euro 2024.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 30-year-old midfielder has been hit with a four-year suspension for doping offences. In September 2023, Pogba – who remains on the books of Serie A giants Juventus – was found to have elevated levels of testosterone in his system.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
He also failed a B test, leading to the National Anti-Doping Tribunal handing out a lengthy sentence that is preventing Pogba from taking to the field. As things stand, the former Manchester United star will not be cleared to resume his professional career until 2027.
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DID YOU KNOW?
France are, however, looking to keep Pogba involved in their camp. According to The Athletic, an invitation from the French Football Federation (FFF) has been extended to a player who has 91 senior caps and 11 goals to his name for his country.

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WHAT NEXT?
Pogba, who maintains his innocence and intends to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), will be among those watching on when France face Belgium in the last 16 of Euro 2024 at Merkur-Speil Arena in Dusseldorf on Monday – despite being banned from figuring in any UEFA-sanctioned contest himself.

WHAT HAPPENED?