Paul Pogba’s Suspended Training and Counter-Analysis: What’s at Stake?

Paul Pogba is patient. Inevitably. Testing positive for testosterone at the end of August after the match between Udinese and Juventus, counting for the first day of Serie A during which he did not even come into play, the French international has been provisionally suspended since the 11 september. As a result, he is forced to train individually, at home, to stay in shape for a hypothetical return.

Affected by this situation, the “Pioche” has not really shown up since, not even to the Allianz Stadium to watch his teammates play, with whom he only maintains telephone contact. His expectation now concerns the results of the B sample requested by his lawyers and the process of which begins this Thursday in Rome in the laboratories of the Acqua Acetosa Olympic center. This is what now awaits the 2018 world champion.

What does a counter-analysis consist of?

In the presence of the player’s lawyers, the Roman laboratory will analyze the second “non-negative” urine sample taken from Pogba after the Udinese-Juve match. The latter was stored at -20°C at the Fmsi laboratory (Italian Sports Medical Federation) in Rome. The objective is only to check for the possible presence of testosterone, which is much faster screening than the first analysis.

When is the result expected?

Fast enough. If La Gazzetta dello Sport speaks of Thursday evening or Friday, Tuttosport leaned more towards a wait of three days. “One thing is certain, the possibility that the counter-analysis contradicts the first result of an anti-doping test is very, very low,” specifies the daily rose, indicating that testosterone is one of the “easiest to spot” substances. “.

What does Pogba risk?

In the event of a new confirmed positive test, the midfielder is liable to a four-year suspension which could however be reduced by half if he manages to demonstrate non-intentionality, or even limited to a few months if the use of the substance took place “out of competition and is not linked to his level of performance”. From the communication of the result of the counter-analysis, Pogba will have seven days to send his defense and/or request to be questioned.

Paul Pogba (Juventus), the 14th of 2023

Credit: Getty Images

The person concerned could also try to find an amicable agreement with the courts, at the request of one of the parties. But in this case, the reduction in sentence cannot exceed 50% of the suspension proposal initially formulated against him by the Italian anti-doping court. For example, if Pogba were to be suspended for 2 years, the agreement would cover a single year of suspension. In addition, it is also specified by the anti-doping regulations that in the event of an agreement between the parties, the notion of non-intentionality must be concretely proven. At the same time, civil justice could also be seized, since doping represents an offense in Italy.

What is testosterone?

The testosterone metabolites, identified in his urine sample, allegedly came from the use of a food supplement prescribed by a doctor he consulted in the United States. Testosterone, the hormone of fertility and male sexuality, promotes muscle development. According to the Italian press, the French midfielder took a food supplement purchased in the United States and advised by a trusted doctor friend, but a complete stranger to his club, not warned in advance. The notice indicated, however, that the “supplement contained substances which could cause a risk of doping”, assured La Gazzetta dello Sport at the time of the facts.

What strategy for Juve?

That of waiting, for the moment. Just like its player, whose salary has been suspended, the Piedmontese club is patient until the verdict of the counter-analysis. Then anything is possible. The Italian media do not rule out a separation in the event of confirmation of the positive test, which would allow the Old Lady, who would be within her rights, to make a saving of around 30 million euros (Pogba receives a salary of 8 million euros, plus 2 in possible bonuses). She could also wait for the court’s verdict and the announcement of the duration of her suspension, before making a final decision on what action to take.

“Since his return (to Juventus in July 2022), he is a 30-year-old man who, unfortunately, has experienced physical problems and for whom things have not gone well. The situation saddens me, declared his coach Massimiliano Allegri on September 15. There is a procedure in progress, I cannot say anything more (…) It is difficult for me to say at the moment when I am speaking to you, what (this affair) will change for the team in the longer term.”

2023-10-04 22:17:30
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