Explained: Why Paul Pogba’s doping ban has been reduced as CAS confirm four-year suspension for Juventus’ ex-Man Utd midfielder has been cut to 18 months

The World Cup winner was handed a four-year suspension after failing initial tests in September 2023. Serious questions were asked of whether the former Manchester United midfielder would ever play again, as his contract at Juventus was reduced to the lowest possible terms.

Pogba took his case to CAS, in a bid to clear his name and argue that he never intended to break the rules, and has now seen it confirmed that he will be cleared to resume his professional playing career in March 2025. Pogba had unknowingly ingested DHEA after being prescribed a supplement containing the banned substance, although the player accepted he should have been more careful.

A statement from CAS reads: “The CAS Panel based its decision on the evidence and legal arguments made that Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida, after Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level US and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba’s anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. Mr Pogba sought a sanction of only 12 months in recognition of the presence of some fault on his part (he did not seek a determination of no fault or negligence from the CAS Panel).”

Pogba has been informed that he should “as a professional football player, have paid a greater care in the circumstances” – meaning that he must still serve a ban – but the terms of his sanction have been reduced. It remains to be seen when and where his next appearance will be, with there suggestions that Juve may yet terminate a contract that is due to run until 2026.