Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Fabrizio Romano

Paul Pogba: Juventus midfielder’s B sample confirms positive drugs test

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba was an unused Juventus substitute on the day of his random drugs test. Photograph: Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images

Paul Pogba has tested positive in his B sample and could be banned for between two and four years if found guilty of doping. Juventus are deciding how to proceed regarding the midfielder’s contract, which runs to 2026.

Pogba was provisionally suspended after a random drugs test taken after his club’s 3-0 win at Udinese on 20 August, at which he was an unused substitute. His B sample was then tested.

Pogba, who will be 31 in July, made only 10 appearances last season because of injury and missed substantial chunks of the season before – his last with Manchester United – because of hamstring and calf problems. He rejoined Juventus on a free transfer in July 2022.

  • Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
  • If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
  • In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
  • Turn on sport notifications.

The France World Cup winner’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said after the initial suspension: “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.”

The Juventus coach, Massimiliano Allegri, said on Friday he was not aware of the result of the B sample test. “I didn’t know, I found out now,” he told a press conference before Saturday’s home game against Torino. “Let’s wait ... Humanly, I feel sorry for Paul.”

Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal, Nado Italia, did not comment on Pogba’s case, citing privacy rules.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.