France midfielder Paul Pogba has been suspended provisionally from playing football following an anti-doping offence which was revealed in Italy.
Despite not featuring in their opening game of the season, the Juventus midfielder was selected randomly to be tested after their 3-0 win over Udinese in the Serie A.
He was found to have elevated levels of testosterone—a hormone that increases athletes’ endurance, according to Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO).
He has been provisionally suspended as a result, and if further investigation turns up anything, he might be subject to a ban that lasts for two to four years.
“Juventus Football Club announces that today, 11 September, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on 20 August, 2023,” wrote the club acknowledging the decision by NADO.
“The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”
Having joined Manchester United in a big move in 2016, Pogba made a return to Turin where he has struggled to stay fit making only eight appearances from last season.
After Juventus’ 2-0 win over Empoli, Massimiliano Allegri had confirmed that the 30-year-old had picked up another knock and with the hope of recovering early he has been slapped with suspension to make matters worse.
The midfielder is expected to produce a counter-analysis in three days to avoid further punishment