Paul Pogba's Doping Case: Tribunal Hearing Looms Amidst Legal Battle

Italy — Ekhbary News Agency

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, a 2018 World Cup winner, faces a significant career challenge following a positive doping test. The controversy began after the Udinese-Juventus match on August 20, where tests revealed testosterone metabolites, specifically DHEA, categorized as an anabolic substance. Consequently, the National Anti-Doping Tribunal (TNA) suspended Pogba on September 12, a decision reaffirmed by counter-analysis on October 5.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy

The anti-doping prosecutor's office has handled the case with considerable discretion, a move that, for what it's worth, has kept many details under wraps. Pogba's defense maintains he never knowingly took prohibited substances, a crucial point in his legal battle. The process, distinct from federal sports justice, involves an independent anti-doping sector. Prosecutor Pierfrancesco Laviani and his team have meticulously studied the case, including defensive briefs from Pogba's English lawyers. Discussions around a plea bargain reportedly occurred, though no agreement materialized, with the prosecution seemingly seeing no attenuating circumstances, suggesting a potential four-year ban, possibly reduced to two.

Upcoming Hearing and Potential Appeals

A direct appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) was considered but requires approval from Wada and Nado Italia, which was not granted. Therefore, the focus remains on the TNA hearing, anticipated in the second half of January. Pogba's legal team plans to argue the absence of malicious intent, aiming to reduce the potential ban to two years, and will present evidence of attenuating circumstances. Scientific experts are expected to testify. The TNA's decision will not be final, as an appeal to the TAS, and potentially further recourse to the Swiss Federal Court, remain viable options for the French international.