Why has Paul Pogba been banned from football?

PAUL Pogba is best known for his career in football – but now he’s facing a lengthy ban from the sport.

The former Manchester United star tested positive for a banned substance and has been handed a hefty punishment by an anti-doping prosecutor’s office in Italy.

Why has Paul Pogba been banned from football and how long is the ban?

Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years after testing positive for a prohibited substance.

The Frenchman, 30, had been provisionally suspended since September after testing positive for DHEA last August.

DHEA is known as a substance that can enhance levels of testosterone.

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, the prosecution did not believe the Frenchman’s claims of accidental intake.

The Anti-Doping Prosecutor’s Office has therefore decided to punish the midfielder with a four-year ban

The suspension runs from 11 September 2023 – the date he was provisionally banned pending investigation – to 10 September 2027.

Pogba turns 31 next month, meaning he won’t be able to return to the pitch until he’s almost 35.

The World Cup winner will appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

What did Paul Pogba’s statement say?

Paul Pogba took to Instagram to respond to the verdict, the statement read: “I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.

“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.

“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

“As a professional athlete I would never do 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.”