Paul Pogba suspended, risks 4-year ban for doping

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba tested positive for testosterone, Italy’s anti-doping agency announced Monday.

The test was carried out after Juventus’ game at Udinese on Aug. 20. Pogba did not play in the Serie A match but was on Juve’s bench.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that Pogba was suspended provisionally with immediate effect. Pending a trial and testing of a backup B sample, he risks a suspension of up to four years.

“In acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Anti-doping Prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba,” Nado Italia said in a statement.

The tribunal said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules when they found the prohibited substance “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites,” adding that the results were “consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds.”

Juventus issued a statement acknowledging the positive result and suspension, adding that it would “evaluate the next procedural steps.”

“We are waiting for the results of the counter-analysis and cannot say anything until then,” Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement reported by Italian media.

“The only certain thing is that Paul Pogba never intended to break the rules.”

It’s another negative note for a player who has been bothered by injuries ever since rejoining Juventus from Manchester United a little more than a year ago. He was ruled out of France’s run to the World Cup final last year with a knee injury.

There’s also been a police investigation ongoing in France into allegations that Pogba was targeted by extortionists — including by his older brother Mathias, who has denied any wrongdoing. Earlier on Monday, Pogba said he considered retiring as the events unfolded.

Pogba has yet to start a game this season but has made two substitute appearances, last playing in the 2-0 win at Empoli.

It’s also another blow to Juventus after a season marred by inquiries into false accounting and irregular reporting of salary payments. The legal cases resulted in the Turin club being removed by UEFA from European competition this season.