Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Paul Pogba, Juventus, Manchester United
Chris Byfield
Paul Pogba could face an enormous suspension after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug, it has been claimed.
Reports from several Italian publications, including Corriere della Sera, has alleged that Pogba tested positive for testosterone on August 20th after Juventus' encounter with Udinese, a match in which the Frenchmen failed to even take the field.
Indeed, many over-the-counter products sold in pharmacies contain traces of testosterone, while it can also be present in anti-inflammatory ointments and gels.
The Juventus midfielder will reportedly be suspended as a precaution and will have three days to request counter-analysis of the result.
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Should the positive result be confirmed, Pogba will then reportedly be tried by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which has the power to enforce a ban of up to two years. Moreover, said ban could be extended to four years should the tribunal prove that the alleged doping was intentional.
SPORTbible has contacted the Raiola agency, who represent Pogba, for comment on the matter.
On Monday it also emerged that Pogba had considered retiring from football over alleged extortion and threats from an organised gang, including his brother Mathias.
The 30-year-old filed a complaint with Turin prosecutors back in July 2022 claiming he was the target of a €13million (£11.1million) blackmail plot. Mathias Pogba was detained in September 2022 but was released in December under judicial review. The 33-year-old has denied all the allegations against him.
Speaking to Al Jazeera about the impact of the incident Pogba said: "When there is money you have to be careful. Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war.
"Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, 'I don't want to have money anymore. I just don't want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me - not for the fame, not for the money.'
"Sometimes it's tough. This life, you have to go through it. It will only make me stronger."