Paul Pogba has requested a counter analysis over his positive doping test, Sky in Italy reports.
The Juventus midfielder had until Thursday evening to submit a request for the sample that tested positive for testosterone, and the process will take seven days.
If the positive result is upheld, the anti-doping prosecution process will begin and can lead to three scenarios: dismissal, plea bargaining or trial in court.
If he is eventually found guilty of the offence, he could face a two-year suspension from football, which could be doubled to four years if the substance is specifically listed and the anti-doping organization finds it was administered intentionally.
Juventus are prepared to suspend Pogba’s wages if the counter-test is positive and proceedings are initiated, while they could also terminate his contract if he is eventually suspended.
Statement issued to Sky Sports News Pogba’s representative, Rafaela Pimienta, said: “We are waiting for the cross-analysis and until then we cannot say anything.
“What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules.”
Pogba: I almost quit football because of an alleged blackmail plot
Separately, Pogba will appear at a hearing in Paris on Friday over a blackmail attempt against his brother Mathias, who denies the accusations against him.
Earlier this week, Pogba said he almost walked away from football due to an alleged blackmail plot.
Mathias, the 30-year-old midfielder’s brother, was arrested in September 2022 on suspicion of involvement in the alleged plot, which Paul claimed was an attempt to extort £11.1m from him.
Mathias was released in December and denies the charges against him.
Paul Pogba Pogba will appear at a hearing in Paris on Friday over a blackmail attempt against his brother Mathias, who denies the accusations against him.
Pogba reported the incident to Turin prosecutors in July last year, shortly after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer to join Juventus.
He said in an interview with Al Jazeera: “When there is money you have to be careful. Money changes people. It can lead to the disintegration of a family. It can lead to war.”
“Sometimes I was alone 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 that they love me for me – not for other people.” Fame, not money.
“Sometimes it’s hard. This is life you have to go through. It will make me stronger.”
Paris prosecutor Laure Picot said the investigation was looking into allegations of “extortion by an armed gang, kidnapping and belonging to a criminal conspiracy.”
Pogba’s struggle has been going on for 15 months
June 1, 2022 Manchester United announced that Pogba will leave Old Trafford for the second time when his contract expires.
July 2022 – Reports of an alleged blackmail plot to prosecutors in Turin, which he claimed was an attempt to extort £11.1 million from him.
July 11, 2022 – He joins Juventus for the second time, signing a four-year contract in Turin.
July 26, 2022 He suffers from a meniscus injury that kept him out of action for two months.
November 2022 – Surgery for a knee injury prevents the midfielder from participating in the World Cup for France in Qatar.
February 28, 2023 – Finally, he made his second appearance with Juve in the 4-2 win over Torino.
March 9, 2023 – He was ruled out of the Europa League match against Freiburg due to Massimiliano Allegri after arriving late for the team dinner.
March 13, 2023 – Suffering from a muscle injury during training; He doesn’t play again for a month.
May 14, 2023 He played his first league match against Cremonese, but he lasted only 23 minutes due to injury. A left hip injury was later discovered, ending his season.
August 27, 2023 – He made his first appearance this season as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw against Bologna.
September 11, 2023 – Temporary suspension from playing football due to a violation related to doping.
