Paul Pogba’s doping trial in Italy, initially set for January 18, 2024, has been postponed without a new date, according to AFP’s report from a close case source.
The trial, where Pogba was expected to appear before the Italian anti-doping tribunal, won’t take place on January 18 as originally planned. The AFP indicates that the tribunal, responding to the midfielder’s lawyers’ request, has agreed to reschedule the trial, but neither the court nor Pogba’s representatives have confirmed or denied the postponement.
In early December, anti-doping prosecutors sought a four-year suspension for the 30-year-old player, provisionally suspended since last September. Pogba could potentially reduce the ban by half if he proves he didn’t intentionally use banned substances. Alternatively, he may face a shorter suspension if he can demonstrate that the prohibited substance was taken out of competition and had no impact on his performance.
His representatives asserted last month that the testosterone stemmed from a dietary supplement prescribed by a U.S. doctor.
A reminder: the 2018 World Cup champion tested positive for testosterone on August 20, after Serie A’s first day, leading to his provisional suspension by Juventus. Despite a subsequent positive reanalysis, confirming the initial results, Pogba faces a significant challenge in convincing the anti-doping tribunal that he unintentionally consumed the substance. Failure to do so could result in time away from the football field, aligning with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Updates on Pogba’s Trial with Italian Anti-doping Court
