Paul Pogba bags four-year ban despite doping innocence plea; wife reacts to sad news
Paul Pogba’s football career faces a devastating setback as he has been handed a colossal four-year ban from the sport due to testing positive for a banned substance.
The shocking news rocked the football world on Thursday, February 29 with the French superstar receiving the maximum possible punishment after traces of testosterone were discovered in a routine doping test conducted over the summer.
Despite protesting his innocence and asserting that any consumption was accidental, Pogba’s defence was rejected by anti-doping authorities, leading to the severe penalty. The four-year ban effectively sidelines Pogba from playing until September 2027, which could mark a disappointing conclusion to his illustrious career unless he successfully appeals the decision.
Pogba’s return to Juventus, where he had signed a contract just in July, took a sour turn as injuries limited him to only seven substitute appearances before the doping scandal surfaced.
His fall from grace is staggering, considering his key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and his status as one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Unless Pogba can clear his name through appeal, the four-year ban will impact on his active football status considering he is 30-years old already.
POGBA INSIST HE IS INNOCENT
Paul Pogba says that he has never resorted to using banned substances or cheating fellow athletes to enhance his performance and is prepared to fight back against his recent setback.
Expressing his dismay over the verdict, Pogba took to his Instagram account to refute the allegations, stating, “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,
“I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”
“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations,“Â Pogba lamented.
The outcome of Pogba’s appeal will determine the trajectory of his illustrious career, as he faces the possibility of an early and tragic end to his journey as one of football’s most gifted talents.
HIS WIFE REACTS TO THE NEWS
In response to the doping ban ruling, Paul Pogba’s wife, Zulay, took to social media to express unwavering support for her husband.
Posting a photo of Pogba on her Instagram story, she captioned it with a message of solidarity: “The truth will always prevail, stay strong like always mi rey” (translated as “my king”).
