Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba’s (30) failed drugs test has been confirmed after his B sample tested positive, and the Italian club have suspended payment of the player’s salary, according to Le Parisien.
Pogba had been provisionally suspended following a positive test on the opening day of the Serie A season, a match in which the French midfielder didn’t actually feature. The results of the counter test have now come in, according to the Italian media, including Fabrizio Romano and La Gazzetta dello Sport. The B sample has tested positive, confirming the initial positive test, and an inquest is now underway in order to ascertain the origin of the substance.
Since his provisional suspension, Pogba has been unable to train with the Juventus squad. The club have also suspended his salary, according to Le Parisien. Pogba could be suspended for up to four years, however, if he can prove that the substance was taken unintentionally, the ban could be halved to two years, or even limited to just a few months if he can prove that the usage of the substance took place “outside of competition, and isn’t linked to his levels of performance.”
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, should a ban of over six months be imposed on Pogba, Juventus have the right to terminate the France international’s contract.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
