Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has expressed immense relief after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The 31-year-old was initially handed the lengthy suspension in March, following a provisional ban in September 2023 after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a prohibited substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.

Pogba, the former Manchester United star, successfully appealed the decision, allowing for the reduction of his suspension. This development means the French international will be eligible to return to football in March 2025.

In a heartfelt statement, Pogba said, “Finally the nightmare is over. I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.” He maintained that he never knowingly violated WADA rules, explaining that he had taken a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, which did not enhance his performance. “I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to thank the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges for hearing my explanation.”

Pogba described the ordeal as one of the most challenging periods of his life, adding, “Everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold.”

The ban, initially issued by Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal, was in line with the standard four-year penalty under WADA’s anti-doping code. However, the punishment can be reduced if the athlete proves that the breach was unintentional, due to contamination, or provides substantial assistance to investigators. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb confirmed the reduced suspension, which now stands at 18 months, commencing from September 11, 2023.

With the suspension shortened, Pogba is expected to make his return to competitive football in the early months of 2025, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in his career.