Positive Doping Test Confirmed for Paul Pogba: A Blow to Football’s Integrity

Soccer: Positive Doping Test Confirmed for Paul Pogba

| October 1, 2023 | The New York Times

Paul Pogba, the French soccer player who won the 2018 World Cup, is facing a nightmare as his positive doping test from August has been confirmed by a second analysis. The presence of testosterone in Pogba’s urine sample now exposes him to a potential four-year suspension. Less than a month after his provisional suspension by the Italian Anti-Doping Agency (Nado) on September 11th, the 30-year-old midfielder was informed on Friday that the analysis of his sample B, conducted on Thursday, also revealed the presence of testosterone metabolites, similar to the findings in the sample A.

This information, initially reported by Gazzetta dello Sport and later confirmed by other Italian media outlets, was verified by a source familiar with the matter to the Agence France-Presse (AFP). According to the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba could face a four-year ban; however, this penalty could be halved if he can prove the absence of intentionality. Furthermore, the suspension could be reduced to just a few months if the use of the substance was “out of competition and not related to enhancing performance.”

The Testosterone Controversy

Paul Pogba’s camp had previously attributed the positive doping test to a prescribed dietary supplement he had taken under the guidance of a doctor in the United States. Testosterone, an important hormone for male fertility and sexuality, also stimulates muscle development. Pogba now has seven days to present his defense to the National Anti-Doping Tribunal, which will adjudicate his case and determine the appropriate sanction. This process could take several weeks.

In addition to the ongoing proceedings in Italian sports justice, a separate judicial inquiry will be opened by the Turin prosecutor’s office since doping is considered a criminal offense in Italy. Since the announcement of his positive test, Pogba has been suspended from training with Juventus Turin, the club he returned to in July 2022 after six seasons with Manchester United. The Piemonte-based club, which has also suspended his estimated €8 million salary until 2026, has yet to respond to the latest developments.

Doping as the Latest Setback

This doping scandal is the latest setback in what has been a year and a half of nightmares for Paul Pogba, both on and off the field. Last season, he made only ten appearances for Juventus due to a knee injury that ultimately required surgery in September, ruling him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, it is off the field where the Guinean-origin player has faced his greatest challenges.

In March 2022, Pogba was held captive for three hours by three childhood friends and two acquaintances from the neighborhood where he grew up in Roissy-en-Brie, near Paris. They attempted to extort €13 million from him by involving two masked and armed individuals. One of Pogba’s brothers is allegedly implicated in this case, and his mother, wife, and agent have also been threatened. In mid-September, Pogba was questioned for five hours in Paris with five of his close associates, who were suspected of having a role in his abduction.

Despite a disrupted preseason due to his injury and subsequent surgery, Pogba seemed poised for a better season in 2023-24. He was included in the squad for the first match of the Italian Championship, although he did not play on that day. However, a week later, on August 27th, he made his comeback after a three-month absence during a home match against Bologna.

In an interview with the Qatari channel Al-Jazeera, which was aired just a few hours before the announcement of his positive test, Paul Pogba vowed to return “stronger.” Now, he must hope to return at all.

Editorial and Advice

This latest development in Paul Pogba’s career raises important questions about integrity in sports and the prevalence of doping. It is a reminder that even the most talented athletes are not immune to the temptations or pressures that can lead them to compromise their principles. The case of Pogba highlights the need for strict anti-doping measures and the importance of a fair and transparent adjudication process.

It is crucial for athletes to be aware of the substances they consume and to consult medical professionals who can properly advise them on the potential risks and legalities involved. While the use of dietary supplements is common in sports, athletes must exercise caution and ensure that any supplements they take are within the boundaries of anti-doping regulations.

In the case of Pogba, his assertion that the testosterone metabolites came from a prescribed supplement raises questions about the responsibility of medical professionals in guiding athletes. It is essential for doctors to thoroughly understand the anti-doping policies and regulations to protect the welfare and careers of their patients.

Furthermore, Pogba’s situation highlights the importance of mental and emotional well-being for athletes. The challenges faced by Pogba off the field, including his kidnapping incident, could have had a profound impact on his state of mind and decision-making. Sports organizations and clubs should prioritize the mental health support of their athletes and provide resources for them to cope with the pressures and adversities they may encounter.

In conclusion, the case of Paul Pogba serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of doping in sports and the importance of maintaining integrity. It is a reminder that success and fame can be fleeting, and the long-term damage caused by compromising one’s values is not worth any short-term advantages. Athletes must remember that their actions not only affect their own careers but also impact the integrity and reputation of the sports they represent.