French midfielder Paul Pogba could be facing a lot of trouble after he failed an Anti-doping test conducted by Italian National Anti-Doping organization (NADO). The Italian Anti-Doping agency after Juventus‘ 3-0 win over Udinese on Serie A matchday 2, asked players to appear for the Test on August 20.
While most of the players cleared the test, it was Paul Pogba who came out with a negative result. According to reports, Pogba contained higher levels of Testosterone in his body which could be a result of in-taking any banned substance.
🚨 BREAKING: Paul Pogba has tested positive for testosterone after Udinese – Juventus on August 20! 💉
(Source: @Gazzetta_it ) pic.twitter.com/Eq64Ftmyop
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) September 11, 2023
“In acceptance of the instance proposed by the National Anti-doping Prosecutor, it has provided for the provisional suspension of the athlete Paul Labile Pogba.”
As a result, NADO have provisionally suspended Pogba from playing for Juventus and his troubles could increase furthermore. He could most probably face a 4-year ban following an hearing in the upcoming days. It will come as a shocker for his club Juventus, who have complied to the decision of NADO.
Paul Pogba's ball was just too smooth, a joy to watch.
Such terribly sad news for football lovers 😢 pic.twitter.com/WVcI2GGvk0
— A (@W56934) September 11, 2023
Along with the hearing, Pogba is set to undergo another test and his B sample result will decide his future but as of now, it is certain that the former Manchester United player will be banned for at least 4 years.
In context, it is not happening for the first time that a footballer or an athlete has failed a Doping test. In the past also, players have served considerable outside of the pitch due to the same reason. In the light of Paul Pogba’s failure to clear the test, here are 4 footballers who have had the same fate.
The disciplinary body of the European football association, UEFA, has imposed a suspension of 12 months on Andre Onana for a doping violation.
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) February 5, 2021
In February 2021, Andre Onana, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, received a 12-month ban from UEFA due to a positive test for the prohibited substance Furosemide. Onana, the Cameroonian player, clarified that the failed test was a consequence of accidentally consuming his pregnant wife’s medication. He subsequently appealed the ruling, resulting in a reduction of his suspension to nine months.
One of the most prominent individuals among the players prohibited from competition due to failed drug tests was none other than Diego Maradona, the former Argentina captain and World Cup champion. In 1991, the legendary former Napoli player tested positive for cocaine, resulting in a 15-month suspension and a $70,000 fine.
Later, during the 1994 World Cup, Maradona faced another doping scandal, testing positive for ephedrine. This unfortunate event led to his premature departure from the tournament and marked the conclusion of his international football career, signifying the start of the decline in his overall footballing journey.
Samir Nasri
In 2018, Samir Nasri, a former player for both Arsenal and Manchester City, faced a six-month suspension from football due to an anti-doping violation dating back to 2016. The Frenchman was deemed to have employed a “prohibited method” at a Los Angeles clinic known as Drip Doctors, with the intention of maintaining his hydration and overall health during a demanding soccer season. It’s worth noting that Nasri was playing for the Spanish club Sevilla at the time, on loan from Manchester City.
Did you know Pep Guardiola failed 2 drug tests in 2001, was under investigation for doping at Bayern Munich as well as a 35,000 fine at Man City in 2017 after multiple city players refused to do drug tests?
— FSG OUT (@ShaunlfcT) April 7, 2022
Although he is now considered one of the top managers in contemporary world football, Pep Guardiola faced a four-month suspension in 2001 for his use of a prohibited substance. This incident occurred during his tenure as a player for Brescia in Italy, and he was found to have consumed Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid. However, six years later, after a successful appeal, the charges against Guardiola were ultimately dismissed.
