Big problem for Pogba: Second doping test didn’t prove his innocence, what’s next?

Paul Pogba is currently in a very uncertain period. As part of his doping affair, he tested positive in a second test and the French midfielder is facing a lengthy ban. As coach Massimiliano Allegri commented on the whole situation.

Juventus Torino footballer Paul Pogba is not experiencing a very joyful period. Last year, due to a series of injuries, he almost did not play, and for the same reason he missed the start of the new edition of the Italian top flight.

In the upcoming two matches against Bologna and Empoli, he has already taken the field, but in both cases he has not even played half an hour. In the first match against Udinese he sat only on the bench, but he was still selected for an anti-doping test.

And he tested positive for testosterone. So Juventus suspended Pogba at the request of the anti-doping court. However, the French midfielder appealed the test result and requested a counter-analysis.

The second test was originally scheduled to take place on 20 September, but the date was changed to 5 October. The reason for this is the unavailability of the player’s consultant on the original date.

Well, according to Italian media reports, that second test also came out positive, confirming that the medication Pogba was taking, which he did not tell Juventus’ medical team about, contained testosterone.

“I didn’t know about the confirmation, I’m sorry. We are waiting to see what happens, it’s useless to comment now. Humanly, I’m sorry,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said at a news conference before the game against Torino.

So what happens next? Pogba and his lawyers can now prepare a defence in the sporting trial that will take place if the French midfielder does not ask for a plea bargain. In any case, Pogba could be suspended for two to four years.

And if that actually happens, Juventus will very likely opt to terminate Pogba’s contract, which expires at the Italian big club in June 2026.

La Gazzetta dello Sport, Sky Sport Italia