Paul Pogba Could Have Juventus Contract Terminated After Positive Test

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Paul Pogba could have his lucrative contract terminated by Juventus if his suspension after testing positive for testosterone is upheld by Italian football authorities.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba may have his contract terminated by Juventus if his suspension for testing positive for testosterone is upheld.

Pogba was called for testing following Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20. The 30-year-old did not play in the match, spending it on the substitutes’ bench, but was nevertheless selected for a random test which later showed elevated levels of testosterone.

A second test sample will now be checked in order to determine a definitive result.

If a positive test is confirmed, Pogba will be tried by the National Anti-Doping Tribunal and could face a ban between two and four years. Nado Italia, the anti-doping agency, said Pogba had been suspended provisionally with immediate effect. 

Mirror Football have approached Pogba’s representatives and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for comment.

Juventus said in a statement on Monday: “Juventus Football Club announces that today the player Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the adverse outcome of the analysis carried out on August 20, 2023. The Company reserves the right to evaluate the next procedural steps.”

A report in Gazzetta dello Sport outlines how Juve hold the option of terminating Pogba’s contract should his ban be upheld. The report adds that Pogba yesterday told the club’s doctors that he had taken substances not agreed upon with the medical staff.

Pogba cannot train with his teammates during the suspension. It is highlighted how article 5.5 of the collective agreement signed by the FIGC (Italian FA), Serie A and AIC, that testing positive for banned substances is one of the cases in which it is possible to suspend a player’s wages.

It is fair to say the central midfielder’s return to Turin after six years away has not gone to plan, with continued fitness problems – alongside him being one of the highest-earning players in Italy – calling into question the Bianconeri’s judgement on signing him.

Pogba has played just seven Serie A matches for the club since his return to Turin, with his first appearance last season coming on 28 February. The Frenchman earns an annual wage of €8million at the Old Lady plus a further €2m in bonuses, with his deal running through to 2026.

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