Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has failed doping test according to Italian Andi-Doping Authorities just after playing his opening match for the club.
The former Manchester United player, who returned to the Italian giants last season tested positive for Non-Endogenous Testosterone Metabolites a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes and could face a four-year ban from football if found guilty of using the banned substance.
His club released a statement confirming the reports saying the midfielder has been provisionally suspended.
“Juventus announces that the player Paul Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the adverse outcome of the analysis carried out on August 20, 2023. The club reserves the right to evaluate,” the statement said.
Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) said Pogba returned a test with elevated levels of testosterone after his team’s first game of the season against Udinese which they won 3-0.
Pogba did not feature in the game but was named as a substitute.
Pogba has found it difficult to settle at his former club since leaving Manchester United last year and his short stint has been riddled with injuries and fitness problems which also saw him miss last year’s World Cup in Qatar.