Paul Pogba says his “nightmare is over” after a four-year ban for a doping offence was reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Sources close to the 31-year-old Juventus midfielder told BBC Sport he can resume training in January 2025 and will be eligible to play again from March.
France international Pogba was suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in February after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone – a hormone that increases endurance – in his system.
Cas director general Matthieu Reeb confirmed to Reuters the ban had been reduced to 18 months from 11 September, 2023.
In a statement, Pogba said: “Finally, the nightmare is over”. “I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again”.
“I always stated that I never knowingly breached Anti-Doping regulations, I play with integrity and I want to thank the Court of Arbitration who heard my explanation”.
“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I’ve worked so hard has been put on hold”. “Thank you for all the love and support”. “I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!”.
SOURCE: BBC