Explained: Why Paul Pogba’s doping ban has been reduced as CAS confirm four-year suspension for Juventus’ ex-Man Utd midfielder has been cut to 18 months

Pogba took his case to CAS, in a bid to clear his name and argue that he never intended to break the rules, and has now seen it confirmed that he will be cleared to resume his professional playing career in March 2025.

• WHAT CAS SAID

  A statement from CAS reads: “The CAS Panel based its decision on the evidence and legal arguments made that Mr Pogba’s ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida, after Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level US and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba’s anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code. Mr Pogba sought a sanction of only 12 months in recognition of the presence of some fault on his part (he did not seek a determination of no fault or negligence from the CAS Panel).”

• WHAT NEXT?

  Pogba has been informed that he should “as a professional football player, have paid a greater care in the circumstances” – meaning that he must still serve a ban – but the terms of his sanction have been reduced. It remains to be seen when and where his next appearance will be taken in, with there suggestions that Juve may yet terminate a contract that is due to run until 2026.