The fall of Paul Pogba continues

France and Juventas midfielder Paul Pogbahas has been banned for four years from football for a doping offense.

Italy’s anti-doping agency, Nado Italia, handed Pogba a provisional suspension back in September after he tested positive for testosterone during a Serie A match. He did not play in the match.

Italian anti-doping prosecutors requested the maximum four-year ban during a trial in December. The four-year ban is standard under the World Anti-Doping Code, but it can be reduced in the event an athlete can prove the doping was not intentional.

The 30-year-old confirmed i n a statement that he will appeal the ruling, insisting he has never taken banned substances.

“I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect,” Pogba said. “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations,” he continued. “As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against. As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

It is common for athletes to proclaim innocence or ignorance after failing a PED test — even after being handed a suspension — but Pogba chose not to make a plea bargain with Nado Italia, leading to the trial before the anti-doping court, and he remains adamant in his denials. A person with direct knowledge of the case confirmed the verdict to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The sentence of the case was not made public due to Italian privacy laws.

Pogba’s second stint in Juventas has been hampered by injuries, appearing in just eight matches since rejoining the club in 2022. He was also unable to play for France’s World Cup team due to a knee injury.