Juventus ace Pogba faces uncertain future after failing second drug test

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba’s chances of redemption faced a massive hit as the France international failed a second drug test. 

Pogba was already in hot water after his urine samples, obtained after Juventus’ Serie A game against Udinese, showed elevated levels of end products of a banned substance, testosterone, and hopes of redeeming his image and avoiding a ban took a big blow after further testing. 

The French midfielder’s B sample from the same fixture has now tested positive for the banned substance as well, ruling out the possibility that the first test was faulty. 

Pogba’s representatives have already released an explanation for the appearance of the banned substance metabolites, noting that the spike was due to a dietary supplement prescribed to the Frenchman by a foreign doctor. 

The former Manchester United midfielder will now have to prove his innocence despite the positive tests, with hearings to be held to determine his fate. 

Pogba’s only hope of avoiding a lengthy ban now lies in his ability to plead his case and a lack of intentionality behind the amount of testosterone metabolites found in his test samples. 

If Pogba is found guilty of doping offences, the Juventus midfielder could face up to four years of exile from football, possibly ending his football career. 

In addition to missing a large chunk of club football, Pogba would also miss the 2024 European Championships and the 2026 World Cup.