Italian prosecutors ‘want Paul Pogba to be banned from football for four years after failing a drugs test’

After ending his six-year tenure at United last summer, Paul Pogba, the former midfielder for Manchester United, tested positive for the banned substance DHEA after his side’s August 20 victory over Udinese. Pogba is currently playing for Serie A powerhouse Juventus. Italian prosecutors are reportedly pushing for Pogba to serve a four-year sentence for his earlier this year drug test failure.

Pogba’s B-sample also tested positive for the substance that naturally increases testosterone production, and he is currently awaiting the outcome of the punishment. Romeo Agresti of Juventus reports that prosecutors have requested a four-year ban for Pogba, which is the minimum term required by international anti-doping regulations. If granted, this would keep Pogba out of competition until he is 34, potentially marking the end of his career.

The World Cup winner has only made 12 appearances for Juventus in his second stint at the team after missing the majority of the previous campaign due to injury. Pogba’s case appears to be aimed at securing a harsh punishment, as he is anticipated to have a final hearing in the early months of 2024, possibly in exchange for a plea deal that would allow him to receive a reduced sentence.