Paul Pogba, the 2018 World Cup-winning French midfielder, has had his four-year doping suspension reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision, announced on October 4, 2024, allows Pogba to return to competition starting March 11, 2025.
The suspension was initially imposed after Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a prohibited substance that increases testosterone levels, following a match on August 20, 2023, against Udinese. He was provisionally suspended in September 2023 by Italy's national anti-doping organization.
Pogba, now 31 years old and under contract with Juventus until 2026, has consistently denied knowingly taking banned substances. His appeal to CAS was successful, significantly shortening his ban and preventing what could have been a career-ending situation.
The CAS ruling brings an end to months of uncertainty for Pogba, who has faced various challenges, including injuries and off-field issues. He expressed his relief through social media, posting an image of his football boots, signaling his readiness to return to the pitch.