France: The positive doping control of Pogba is confirmed by the counter-expertise
No pleasant surprises for Paul Pogba . The second test requested by Juventus Turin’s French midfielder confirmed the presence of testosterone in the samples taken in August, a source with knowledge of the case said on Friday, confirming reports in the Italian press.
Less than a month after his provisional suspension on 11 September by the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado), Pogba, 30, learned on Friday that the analysis of his B sample, carried out on Thursday, had revealed the presence of testosterone metabolites, as in the A sample.
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, Pogba is liable to a four-year suspension, although this could be halved if he can prove that he was unintentionally involved. It could even be limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place «out of competition and is not related to his level of performance».
To explain this positive doping test, the entourage of «La Pioche» announced last month that the testosterone metabolytes came from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States.
Testosterone, a fertility and male sexuality hormone, promotes muscle development, but the Italian anti-doping agency (Nado) was unable to confirm this information due to a decision by the Italian privacy authority. The player’s entourage, who were also contacted, declined to comment.
Pascal S.
