Pogba: I think the decision to disqualify is wrong. I have never taken anything illegal and will appeal to CAS

Midfielder Juventus Paul Pogba commented on the decision National Anti-Doping Tribunal about my disqualificationexpressed his disagreement and confirmed his intention to appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

“Today I was informed of the decision of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and I believe that this decision is incorrect.”

“I am devastated, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have achieved in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”

“When I am free from legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any supplements that violate anti-doping rules.”

“As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using illegal substances and would never disrespect or deceive fellow athletes or fans of any team I played for or against.”

“In connection with the decision announced today, I will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Pohl concluded.

Let us remind you that today the National Anti-Doping Tribunal of Italy officially awarded the Frenchman the maximum period of disqualification – four years.

Last September, the tribunal reported that testosterone metabolites of non-endogenous origin were found in Pogba’s sample. It was reported that the midfielder took the banned substance on the advice of his doctor friend, who purchased the drug in the United States. In October, it became known that the French midfielder’s repeat doping test also showed a positive result for testosterone.

The anti-doping prosecutor’s office initially demanded that the player be disqualified for four years. Pogba himself hoped to reduce the ban to two years. The Frenchman’s lawyers did not agree to a plea deal; the midfielder did not admit guilt. Instead, the footballer insisted on unintentionally consuming a banned substance that had been prescribed to him by a doctor friend.

The Turin club announced the temporary suspension of the midfielder back in September. The Bianconeri also considered the option of terminating the contract with the Frenchman.

Pogba is now 30 years old. In the summer of 2022, he returned to Juventus from Manchester United. Over the past season and a half, he played 12 incomplete matches for the Old Lady and scored one assist. The last time he took to the field was on September 3, 2023 against Empoli (2:0).