French footballer Paul Pogba announced today that he will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne against his four-year suspension, he reiterated that he has never used illegal substances and that he will tell the whole story when he is freed from legal restrictions.
“I was informed today of the decision of the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and I believe that the verdict is wrong. I am saddened, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional career has been taken away from me. As a professional athlete I would never do anything to improve my performances by using banned substances and I have never belittled and cheated colleagues and fans of any teams I played for and against,” Pogba said in a statement, Sky news reported.
“As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” said the 30-year-old footballer.
Juventus announced earlier today that it “takes note” of the court’s decision that followed the prosecution’s request against Pogba, in accordance with the world anti-doping code.
In September 2023, it was reported that Pogba had tested positive for testosterone. He was tested after the match between Juventus and Udinese on August 20, and he did not play in that match.
Pogba decided not to make a settlement with the Italian anti-doping agency, so the case ended up before the domestic anti-doping court.
“When I am freed from legal restrictions the whole story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any supplements that violate anti-doping rules,” Pogba said.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is likely to appeal any CAS decision if Pogba’s appeal is upheld, and the final ruling could end up in the Swiss Federal Court.
During his career, Pogba played for Manchester United and Juventus, with whom he has a contract until 2026. The Turin club pays him the minimum wage stipulated in the collective agreement for Italian professional footballers, which amounts to 42,500 euros per year.
Pogba played 91 games and scored 11 goals for the French national team, and won the 2018 World Cup and the 2020/2021 Nations League.
