Juventus Cut Ties with Pogba Despite Reduced Doping Ban

Paul Pogba’s time at Juventus has officially ended after the club announced on Friday that his contract has been terminated, despite his doping ban being reduced to 18 months on appeal. The French midfielder, who joined Juventus from Manchester United in 2022, has faced a series of setbacks both on and off the pitch, cutting short his second stint with the Italian giants.

Pogba is eligible to return to competitive football in March after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the initial four-year suspension handed down by Italy’s anti-doping authority, NADO. However, Juventus decided to sever ties with the 31-year-old, whose contract was originally set to run until 2026.

In a statement, Juventus confirmed they had mutually agreed to end Pogba’s contract as of November 30, 2024. Pogba addressed Juventus fans on social media, expressing gratitude for their support and promising to keep their love in his heart. He also wished the club luck for the future.

Back in October, Pogba had expressed his willingness to forgo his salary to continue playing for Juventus, but the club ultimately chose not to retain him. Coach Thiago Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli had already hinted at Pogba’s departure, referring to him in the past tense and acknowledging his achievements during his earlier years at the club.

Pogba’s second spell with Juventus saw him plagued by injuries and controversies. Since rejoining in the summer of 2022, he made just one start for the team, a stark contrast to his first stint between 2012 and 2016, during which he won four Serie A titles. His last appearance for Juventus came in September 2022 in a match against Empoli, shortly before his provisional suspension for testing positive for testosterone.

The doping violation stemmed from Juventus’ opening match of the 2022-23 season, a 3-0 win against Udinese, in which Pogba did not play. NADO initially handed him a four-year ban, but CAS later reduced it, accepting his claim that the failed test resulted from taking a supplement prescribed by a Florida-based doctor. CAS noted that Pogba bore some responsibility for the incident, stating he should have exercised greater caution as a professional athlete.

During the 2022-23 season, Pogba made only 10 appearances due to a knee injury that also kept him out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where France lost to Argentina in the final. Adding to his troubles, Pogba was involved in a case of extortion that led to six men, including his brother Mathias, being ordered to stand trial.

In Pogba’s absence, Juventus underwent significant changes, including replacing manager Massimiliano Allegri with Thiago Motta and embarking on a squad overhaul. The club spent over €120 million on midfield reinforcements during the summer transfer window, acquiring players such as Teun Koopmeiners, Douglas Luiz, and Khephren Thuram.

Juventus, who finished third in Serie A last season, currently sit sixth in the league but are only two points behind leaders Napoli. They are set to face AC Milan at the San Siro after the international break, with hopes of maintaining their momentum in the title race.