By Victor Kanayo
French footballer Paul Pogba is now reeling in happiness after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his ban from four years to 18 months.
Pogba in a statement on Saturday via his social media handle, wrote, “Finally, the nightmare is over and I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again and again.
“I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity… and I want to thank Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation.
“This has been a hugely distressing pediod in my life, everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold.
“Thank you for all the love and support once again. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!”
Turn Of Events
CAS through its spokesman Friday confirmed,, “I can confirm the decision: an 18-month suspension with effect from 11 September 2023. The reasons for the decision will follow later.”
Pogba, who is under contract with Juventus until 2026, will be able to return to competitive football from March 11, 2025, four days before his 32nd birthday.
Possible Exit From Italy
However, there are indication that the midfielder may not go ahead to play for the Italian giants as he might make a move to MLS in United States.
Pogba tested positive for testosterone in August 2023 after a match between Juventus and Udinese.
He was provisionally suspended in September of the same year, and then banned for four years by the Italian National Football body.
A key figure when France won the 2018 world title in Russia, Pogba collected four Serie A titles in his first stint at Juventus but had a string of problems, on and off the pitch, after his 2022 return from Manchester United.
