Paul Pogba is facing four-year ban after ‘B sample CONFIRMS positive drugs test… as Juventus consider terminating the French star’s contract’

• Juventus star Paul Pogba returned a positive drugs test earlier this season  
• Reports in Italy claim Frenchman’s B-sample has now produced the same result 
• Pogba could be banned for four years if substance was taken deliberately 

Paul Pogba has reportedly produced a second positive drugs test following analysis of his B sample. 

The Juventus midfielder returned the positive result after Juventus’ first game of the season against Udinese on August 20, a game in which he did not play. 

The Frenchman was subsequently suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal on an initial precautionary basis and given three days to request his B sample, which has now produced the same result – according to Gazzetta dello Sport. 

The maximum suspension in such cases is four years – an initial two-year ban, which can be doubled if it is proven that the substance was taken deliberately. 

Mail Sport reported last month that Pogba had called for counter analysis following his positive test, with a prosecution process to start in the event of a second failed test – possibly resulting in dismissal, plea bargaining or a trial before tribunal, according to Sky. 

Paul Pogba’s B sample for a drugs test has confirmed as positive after the same result last month

Pogba’s return to Juventus from Man United has been blighted by fitness and injury woes

Pogba’s representative Rafael Pimenta said at the time: ‘We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we can’t say anything.

‘The certain thing is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules.’

The player’s future at Juventus is yet unclear, with the Turin-based outfit thought to be prepared to suspend his wages should proceedings against him begin following the positive result. 

Should Pogba receive a ban, his contract with the Serie A giants could be terminated. 

A previous statement from Juventus confirmed the initial positive test.

The statement read: ‘Juventus Football Club announces that today, September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023.

‘The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.’

Pogba’s latest episode continues a turbulent time at Juventus since he returned to the Italian club following his Manchester United exit in 2022. 

The French midfielder is facing a four year ban and could have his contract at Juventus ripped up if he is found guilty

The 30-year-old has spent years in the headlines for the wrong reasons and was heavily scrutinised for his performances at United

The 30-year-old has played just 12 times in the last two seasons with the Italian club, who are understood to be paying him around £6.8m per season. 

This season he has played twice – both appearances coming off the bench – featuring for a total of just 52 minutes in Italy’s top division Serie A, with the player struggling with injuries and fitness.

Off the field problems have also plagued Pogba in recent years. 

Pogba had already faced plenty of criticism from pundits and fans over his difficult spell for Manchester United – where he struggled to justify his £90m price tag – before news of a shocking £11m extortion plot against him involving his brother. 

The 30-year-old was threatened by a gang of masked, armed men in a Paris apartment who demanded millions for ‘protection services.’

The ongoing probe has seen several individuals investigated over allegations of armed extortion, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy against Pogba.

Pogba (left) revealed he was a target of an £11million extortion from a gang after his brother Matias bizarrely released a video vowing to share information on him

Pogba’s brother Mathias spent three months in prison between September and December last year while police investigated his role in the extortion attempt, while four others were also placed under formal investigation.

Pogba opened up on the episode last month – revealing how it made him contemplate retirement in addition to causing ‘war’ in his family and ruining his physical and mental health. 

‘Money changes people. … It can break up a family. It can create a war,’ said Pogba. 

‘Sometimes I was just by myself thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore.

‘I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me – not for the fame, not for the money.’ Sometimes it’s tough.’ 

The previous year he was quoted by L’Equipe as telling judges about the impact the affair had on his playing career.

‘I kept all of this to myself for a long time and then I revealed it. This case has had a big impact on my body, especially on my injuries,’ he said.

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