Watch: Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban Cut from Four Years to 18 Months

French soccer star Paul Pogba expressed relief on Friday as his “nightmare” concluded with a reduction of his four-year doping ban to 18 months. The Juventus midfielder, set to resume play before his 32nd birthday on March 15, 2024, shared his anticipation to return to the field.

“I am relieved that this distressing chapter of my life is closing. I look forward to pursuing my dreams once again,” Pogba stated through a release to the Press Association. He maintained his innocence, asserting that the violation occurred unintentionally through a prescribed nutritional supplement that does not enhance male athletic performance. “I’ve always played with integrity,” he added, acknowledging the strict liability nature of his offense and thanking the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) judges for listening to his side of the story.

The reduction of his suspension was confirmed earlier in the day by a CAS spokesperson, stating, “The suspension period has been set at 18 months starting from September 11, 2023, with detailed reasons to be provided later.”

Pogba had tested positive for testosterone following a Juventus match against Udinese in Italy in August 2023. He faced a provisional suspension that September, leading to a four-year ban by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal in February. His legal team argued that the testosterone stemmed from a food supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States.

After the initial ban, Pogba shared his devastation on Instagram, emphasizing his innocence and the impact of the ruling on his career. “It breaks my heart to see my professional achievements stripped away,” he posted.

Following the CAS decision to reduce his ban, Pogba shared a symbolic image on Instagram featuring his football boots adorned with the French flag and his initials.

Pogba’s career achievements include helping France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and winning four Serie A titles with Juventus. His return to Juventus from Manchester United in 2022 was marred by injuries and off-pitch issues, including an organized extortion case involving his brother Mathias, leading to a trial.