Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba faces a 2-4 year ban after his positive testosterone test was confirmed by a backup sample.
The former Manchester United star, 30, had been provisionally suspended after failing a drugs test last month.
As a result, Pogba could be set for a maximum punishment of a four-year ban for breach of doping rules and that has thrown his future at Juventus into doubt.
Reports in Italy suggest Juventus are ready to rip up his £130,000-a-week contract, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano states the Serie A giants have a big decision to make after the latest news on Pogba.
If found guilty, Pogba faces a two-year ban which could be extended to four-years if he is guilty of doping intentionally.
What exactly happened?
Traces of testosterone were first found in Pogba’s system following Juventus’ opening day win over Udinese, even though the Frenchman was an unused substitute in the game.
After the initial positive test, Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta told Tuttosport: “We’re waiting for the counter-analysis and we can’t say anything now.
“For sure, Pogba never wanted to bend the rules – I can guarantee that.”
Pogba was handed a provision ban by Italian anti-doping chiefs in response to the initial failed test. The Juve man had three days to provide a second ‘B’ sample, but that has now come back positive too.
The French ace has a week to prepare his defence, with a tribunal to follow within the next two to four weeks.
Only time will tell if Juventus decide to terminate Pogba’s contract and it goes without saying that he won’t be welcome back to Old Trafford.
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