The devil's talent is returning. Paul Pogba (31, Juventus) was on the verge of retirement due to controversy over banned drugs, but disciplinary action was reduced. He is on the verge of returning to the ground.
British football's 90MIN said on the 4th (Korea time), "Pogba, who had been suspended for four years for doping violations, succeeded in appealing. The disciplinary action has been reduced to 18 months." Initially, Pogba was banned from all football-related activities until August 2027, but as the disciplinary action was reduced this time, he will be able to play again from March 2025.
Pogba, who was once recognized as a world-class midfielder, sparked controversy in August last year when testosterone, a banned drug, was detected in an Italian Serie A doping test. Testosterone, a type of male hormone, is a drug banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Although it is used for treatment purposes, it is also considered effective in increasing muscle mass and lung capacity.
Pogba also tested positive in the sample test he conducted again. Eventually, he was disciplined for four years. Considering Pogba's considerable age, it was a fatal blow. It was a situation where he had to consider retiring in disgrace. There were also rumors that Juventus would terminate the contract with Pogba.
Pogba also suffered huge financial losses. Prior to his disciplinary action, Pogba was paid 8 million euros a year by Juventus F.C. However, after controversy over his disciplinary action, Pogba was not paid a normal salary, and only received 2,000 euros a month, which is equivalent to the minimum wage.
Pogba objected to the disciplinary action and appealed. "As a professional player, I did nothing to improve my performance, such as expelling banned substances. I have never ignored or cheated on the team, my teammates, or fans that I played for," Pogba said. Pogba's argument was also accepted, reducing the punishment. 안전놀이터
Meanwhile, French midfielder Pogba has been going back and forth between England and Manchester United and Juventus throughout his career. Although he has grown into a Manchester United youth player, he said he wanted to play as a main player and moved to Juventus in 2012 without paying a penny. In fact, Pogba has grown into a world-class player.
Pogba paid 89 million pounds (about 157.5 billion won) for his transfer in 2016, before joining Manchester United again. However, Pogba betrayed Manchester United once again. He moved to Juventus in the form of a free agent transfer last year. However, he faced a big crisis due to controversy over banned substances, but skipped the move due to reduced punishment. He will be able to return to the team this season. The contract period between Pogba and Juventus is until 2026.