Ex-Man Utd star Paul Pogba suspended after testing positive for banned substance

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been suspended from playing for Juventus after testing positive for testosterone.

Pogba was called for testing following Juventus ’ 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20. The 30-year-old did not play in the match, spending it on the substitutes’ bench, but was nevertheless selected for a random test.

That test showed elevated levels of testosterone. A second test sample will now be checked in order to determine a definitive result. If a positive test is confirmed, Pogba will be tried by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and could face a ban between two and four years from the game.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said that Pogba had been suspended provisionally with immediate effect. Mirror Football have approached Pogba’s representatives and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for comment.

Juventus said in a statement: "Juventus Football Club announces that today the player Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the adverse outcome of the analyzes carried out on 20 August 2023. The Company reserves the right to evaluate the next procedural steps."

Pogba re-joined Juventus on a free transfer in July 2022 following the expiry of his contract with United. He has struggled upon his return to the Italian side, with injuries significantly restricting his game time.

Pogba was an unused substitute in the Udinese match, but made two appearances in subsequent games against Bologna and Empoli. Having previously battled a knee injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup with France last year, Pogba complained of a back problem following the 2-0 win over Empoli on September 3.

The central midfielder has won 91 caps for France, helping to win the 2018 World Cup, but has not played for the national team since 2022. He made 233 appearances for United between 2016 and 2022, scoring 39 goals and contributing 51 assists.

Juventus are currently third in Serie A with seven points from their opening three matches. They will not compete in European competition his season, having been kicked out of the Conference League by UEFA for financial wrongdoing.