Paul Pogba faces possible long-term ban after 'B sample confirms positive drug test

FOOTBALL Paul Pogba faces possible long-term ban after 'B sample confirms positive drug test

Abigael Wafula 16:50 - 06.10.2023

Paul Pogba returned a positive result after Juventus' first game of the season against Udinese on August 20, a game in which he did not play.

Frenchman Paul Pogba has reportedly produced a second positive drug test following an analysis of his B sample.

According to Daily Mail, the Juventus midfielder returned a positive result after Juventus' first game of the season against Udinese on August 20, a game in which he did not play.

Pogba was subsequently suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal on an initial precautionary basis and given three days to request his B sample, which has now produced the same result.

The maximum suspension for such a case is four years which constitutes an initial two-year ban, which can be doubled if it is proven that the substance was taken deliberately. 

At the time when Pogba had called for counter-analysis following his positive test, his representative Rafael Pimenta said: "We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can't say anything. The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules."

His future at Juventus is also unclear with them thought to be prepared to suspend his wages should proceedings against him begin following the positive result. 

Should Pogba receive a ban, his contract with the club could be terminated. A previous statement from Juventus confirmed the initial positive test. 

The statement read: "Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 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 August 20, 2023. 

The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.' Pogba's latest episode continues a turbulent time at Juventus since he returned to the Italian club following his Manchester United exit in 2022."

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