Juventus' Paul Pogba has doping ban reduced from four years to 18 months
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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has had his doping ban used from four years to just 18 months, meaning he'll be able to play competitive football again from March 2025.
Pogba is set to make a return to competitive football in just six months after his four-year doping ban was reduced to just 18 months. The Frenchman, who tested positive for testosterone in September 2023, successfully appealed the original decision, allowing him to resume playing earlier than expected.
This significant development has major implications for both Pogba's career and Juventus’ ambitions, particularly in Serie A and the Champions League.
Paul Pogba’s Initial Four-Year Ban
In October 2023, Pogba received a four-year ban from football after testing positive for testosterone, a prohibited substance under anti-doping regulations. The test was carried out following Juventus' Serie A match against Udinese on August 20, 2023. The midfielder was immediately suspended by Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal (NADO), pending further investigation.
Pogba, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, was left in a precarious position. A four-year ban at the age of 31 seemed like a career-ending blow for the World Cup winner. His legal team, however, maintained that the testosterone levels in Pogba's sample were a result of unintentional contamination from supplements.
Despite this defence, the initial ruling stood, and Pogba was removed from Juventus’ first-team plans, raising questions about his future in Turin and in professional football.
Reduction of the Ban to 18 Months: What Changed?
Fast forward to October 2024, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in Pogba’s favour, reducing his ban to 18 months.
The successful appeal means Pogba will be eligible to return to football in March 2025, giving Juventus a major boost for the final stages of the season. This decision also opens the door for Pogba to potentially return to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Impact on Juventus and Their Champions League Odds
The reduction in Pogba's ban couldn’t come at a better time for Juventus, particularly with their Champions League campaign in full swing. While Juventus have struggled in Europe in recent years, the return of a player with Pogba's experience and skillset could provide the spark they need in the knockout stages.
Juventus last won the Champions League in 1996 and have been chasing that elusive trophy ever since. Pogba’s return in March means he could feature in the later stages of the competition if Juventus qualify from their group and reach the knockout rounds.
As of now, Juventus’ odds to win the 2024/25 Champions League stand at 33/1 at Ladbrokes, making them outsiders in a competition dominated by heavyweights like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. However, with Pogba back in the squad, these odds could shorten, especially if Juventus show strong form domestically and in Europe heading into the crucial final months of the season.
For those looking to back Juventus, it might be worth keeping an eye on their Serie A campaign as well. Pogba’s return could boost their chances in both competitions.
What Does the Future Hold for Paul Pogba?
Pogba’s return will be closely watched, not only by Juventus fans but by the footballing world at large. The Frenchman’s second stint at Juventus has been marked by injuries, limiting his impact on the pitch. The 18-month layoff due to the ban will add another layer of complexity to his comeback.
Will he be able to regain his top form after such a long absence, or will Juventus need to ease him back into competitive action? The good news is, he'll be able to train from January 2025, allowing him to work with his teammates for a few months before he's able to get back onto the pitch.
Thiago Motta, Juventus' head coach, will have a key role to play in Pogba’s reintegration. With a squad that has evolved in his absence, finding the right balance in midfield will be critical to Juventus’ success. Pogba’s versatility—whether playing as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more advanced role—gives Motta options, but it remains to be seen how quickly the Frenchman can adapt after such a long layoff.
On the international front, Pogba’s return may also reignite his ambitions to represent France once again. With the World Cup in 2026 on the horizon, Pogba will likely be eyeing a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad, although he will face stiff competition from a new generation of French midfielders.
Juventus’ Title Hopes and Champions League Ambitions
For Juventus, Pogba’s return will likely coincide with the most important phase of their season. March is when the Champions League knockout rounds are in full swing, and Juventus will be hoping to have their French talisman available to influence key ties. With Juventus chasing a first Champions League title in almost three decades, Pogba’s return adds an extra layer of intrigue to their campaign.
Domestically, Juventus are always contenders for the Serie A title, and Pogba’s presence in midfield could give them the edge in the final stretch of the season. Ladbrokes have Juventus as one of the favourites win Serie A, along with Napoli and Inter Milan, but having Pogba back could tip the balance in their favour.
As Paul Pogba’s return date approaches, Ladbrokes will be offering a range of betting markets and specials related to both Pogba and Juventus. Whether it's betting on Pogba’s impact in the Champions League or Juventus’ chances of winning Serie A, there will be plenty of opportunities for punters to get involved.
With Pogba set to return to action in March 2025, Juventus fans and football enthusiasts alike will be eager to see how the French midfielder shapes the rest of the season. Keep an eye on Ladbrokes for the latest odds, insights, and betting opportunities as Pogba’s comeback draws nearer.
