French national soccer player Paul Pogba, who was temporarily banned for doping, was also found to have high testosterone levels during follow-up testing. This was reported by the AFP news agency, citing a source familiar with the case. Accordingly, the B sample requested by the 30-year-old was also positive. The midfielder has been temporarily suspended since his positive A sample became known on September 11th.
Pogba faces a four-year ban for doping. This could be reduced by half if he can prove there was no intent in his misstep. His club Juventus Turin had recently frozen salary payments to the 2018 world champion, and after the B sample was also positive, he is now threatened with dismissal.
No consultation with Juventus doctors
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogba was under the supervision of a US specialist who prescribed him a supplement containing testosterone. Pogba took the drug without consulting the Juventus doctors beforehand.
Pogba has had a difficult year in Turin. Due to knee surgery and other injuries, the 2018 world champion only made ten appearances in the preseason. Pogba also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to his injury woes.