Italian sports prosecutors have reportedly requested a four-year ban for Paul Pogba, a midfielder for Juventus football club, due to allegations of doping.
The request comes after a test by Italy’s national anti-doping organisation found the presence of testosterone in Pogba’s system.
Testosterone is a hormone that enhances endurance and is prohibited in professional sports.
Pogba was initially suspended in September after the test and his positive doping test was confirmed after a second sample was taken in October.
The anti-doping prosecutors in Italy have requested a maximum four-year ban for Pogba for testing positive for DHEA, which is a prohibited anabolic agent that can naturally raise levels of testosterone.
The French international footballer has decided not to make a plea bargain with Italy’s anti-doping agency, which means the case will be tried in the country’s anti-doping court.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, a four-year ban is the standard penalty for doping violations.
However, the penalty can be reduced in cases where the athlete can prove that their doping was not intentional, if the positive test was a result of contamination, or if they provide “substantial assistance” to investigators.
Pogba’s case will be tried before the country’s anti-doping court.
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Pogba has yet to make any public comment on the case.
Meanwhile, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has expressed his sympathy for Pogba’s situation, saying that he is sorry for him as a person.
The doping case is another negative development for Pogba, who has been plagued by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United in July 2022.
He was unable to play during France’s run to the World Cup final last year due to a knee injury.
Additionally, Pogba played in just six Serie A matches for Juventus last season and only two so far this season.
There has also been a police investigation underway in France into claims that Pogba was targeted by extortionists, including by his older brother Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing.
Despite all these troubles, Pogba remains a talented footballer, having scored for France in their 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final and played in 178 matches for Juventus from 2012-16.
