By Our Reporter
WORLD SPORTS
Paul Pogba has released an official statement in response to the four year ban slapped on him for alleged doping.
The footballer, who has called the verdict incorrect in a statement dated 29th February, 2024 was banned by the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping on 29th February, 2024.
FULL STATEMENT
“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.
As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
Pogba was randomly tested after Juventus’ first match of the season on 20 August.
The positive test was confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in a second sample in October, and the anti-doping prosecutor’s office requested a four-year suspension.
Juventus told the BBC they received notification from the anti-doping tribunal on Thursday morning.
Pogba said he believed the verdict was “incorrect” and he would “never knowingly or deliberately” dope.
“When I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear,” he said, adding he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”
The ruling means 2018 World Cup winner Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 34, with the ban backdated to the date of the failed test.
