The big news in European football! Paul Pogba will be back on the field in less than six months. The initial four-year football ban for testing positive for doping has been reduced to 18 months by the ruling of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, reports The Daily Mail. This means that the French midfielder will be able to train with Juventus starting in January, and from March, he will be eligible to play football again.The long-time French international tested positive for doping in September 2023. The investigation began then, during which Pogba was suspended, and it concluded in February this year when he was handed a four-year ban. If you’re confused about the return date, it’s important to note that the start of the suspension is counted from the date Pogba was initially suspended. So, from September 2023 to March 2025, the 18-month ban on Pogba’s football career will be complete.🚨 BREAKING: Pogba can return to Juventus in January! ⚪️⚫️He’s had his 4 year drug ban reduced to just 18 months, according to @SamiMokbel81_DM He’ll start training with the team in January and play matches by March 🔜 pic.twitter.com/8wwZYGeYnH— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 4, 2024 Juventus suspended Pogba in the fall of 2023, banning him from entering the club’s facilities, training center, or any venue belonging to the black-and-white club. He was also prohibited from contacting anyone in the club’s hierarchy. The reverse was also true – Juventus had “exiled” the Frenchman from the club. Additionally, Pogba’s €8,000,000 annual salary was reduced to the minimum €2,000, as prescribed by the collective agreement supported by the Italian Footballers’ Union.Now, the question remains whether the Bianconeri and Pogba will be able to forget and forgive each other and move forward together. There’s also the concern of how much football rust the 31-year-old has accumulated after an 18-month absence. As for his contract, Pogba is still a Juventus player, and the agreement runs until the end of June 2026.##NAJAVA_MECA_8388592##”I was informed today about the decision of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, and I believe the ruling is incorrect. I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken because everything I have built during my professional career has been taken away from me. When I am freed from legal restrictions, the full story will become crystal clear, but I have never intentionally or knowingly taken any supplements that violated anti-doping regulations. As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance using banned substances, and I have never disrespected or tried to deceive the athletes or fans of any team I’ve played for or against. As a result of today’s decision, I will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Pogba said after learning about his initial four-year suspension.UCL: Vlahović scores a brace in a five-goals thrillerHe knew what he had to do, appealed, and fought to have his sentence significantly reduced. In February, it seemed like it could be the end of the career for one of the greatest talents of the 21st century, but we will see him again. Hopefully, the magic he occasionally displayed on the pitch hasn’t faded.
