Pogba was provisionally suspended in September after a drugs test taken after the opening game of the season found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
On Thursday, Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) confirmed the four-year suspension, which backdates to 20 August 2023 when he failed the test.
Pogba said the verdict was "incorrect" and he would "never knowingly or deliberately" dope. He confirmed he will appeal and added "when I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear".
anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
"As a consequence of the decision announced today I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport."
It is likely WADA will themselves appeal against any ruling from the CAS if they were to uphold Pogba's appeal - and a final judgement could end up at the Swiss federal courts. Juventus are not commenting on the latest ruling on Pogba.
If the length of the suspension is four years, that's a long time and to try and come back and relaunch your career at 34. It would be difficult, if not impossible for somebody of Pogba's ability."
Pogba's suspension completes a dramatic fall from grace for a player who was once the most expensive footballer in the world.
After coming through United's academy, Pogba moved to Juventus on a free transfer in 2012 and proceeded to win four straight Serie A titles.
This convinced the Red Devils to bring him back to Old Trafford in 2016 for a world-record fee of £89m.
Pogba won the World Cup with France two years later, scoring in the final against Croatia, but struggled to hit the same heights at club level.
Juventus have chosen not to comment on the situation with the player now on their books for a second time. He return in 2022 for nothing but has only played 12 times due to injury and suspension. Pogba's talent has long been hailed but several pundits have cited issues with his attitude and conduct.
According to information put into the public domain by the Football Leaks website, when Pogba re-signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2016, his five-year contract was a basic £7.75m each year.
A loyalty bonus of £3.75m a year was also included. If United qualified for the Champions League, Pogba netted a further £1.85m.
In addition, Pogba had a £3m-a-year image rights deal. His agent Mino Raiola, who died in 2022, was paid £41m to help take Pogba back to United.
Juventus then re-signed Pogba on a four-year deal in July 2022 after he ran down his contract at Manchester United and left as a free agent.
Last season he played 108 minutes over six Serie A games, made three appearances and had one assist in the Europa League, and managed 11 minutes in the Coppa Italia - a total of 162 minutes and no goals.
Paul Pogba will not be treated any differently than any other athlete, no matter if it's football, rugby, cricket, golf, a sprinter or a swimmer, every sport on the planet you can think of.
0 Comments