CAS make decision on Paul Pogba drugs ban that will have huge impact on former Man Utd star's return to football

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially reduced Paul Pogba's four-year ban from football for doping.

The 31-year-old was handed the suspension last year after dehydropiandrosterone (DHEA) was found in his system, a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone.

After receiving the ban, Pogba released a statement denying 'knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations', while also confirming his intention to appeal.

That appeal has now been heard by CAS, who have reduced his ban from four years down to 18 months.

The new verdict means he can resume training in January, before being eligible to play in March, as per the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel.

Despite his initial four-year ban, Pogba has remained under contract at Juventus and will therefore be available for selection for Thiago Motta's side later this season.

His most recent appearance was in September 2023, when he featured as a second half substitute during Juve's 2-0 win at Empoli.

Two weeks earlier, he had been chosen for random testing after a fixture against Udinese, during which he was an unused substitute.

After that positive test for DHEA, his B sample then returned a positive result in October.

Anti-doping prosecutors requested a four-year ban for Pogba in December.

Paul Pogba in action for Juventus against Empoli in September 2023 - Getty

After the ban was announced, the Frenchman said in a statement: "I believe that the verdict is incorrect.

"I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

"When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

"As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against."