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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Pogba has four-year ban slashed to 18 months</li><li>Juventus midfielder has successful CAS appeal</li><li>Frenchman says his "nightmare is over"</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'A hugely distressing period' - Paul Pogba delighted that doping ban 'nightmare is over' after Juventus midfielder's suspension is reduced

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<p>The France international successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and now he can <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/paul-pogba-juventus-midfielder-doping-ban-reduced-following-appeal/blt5e2f1cac38c2d0c4#cs7cfc6034c47516e9" target="_blank">return to football from March 2025</a>. The 31-year-old, who was suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/paul-pogba-banned-four-years-juventus-midfielder-punished-doping-scandal/blt729c25135d5cdecf">dehydroepiandrosterone</a>&nbsp;(DHEA), has since described this period as a "hugely distressing" time in his life as he expressed his relief at the verdict. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Frenchman's statement reads: "Finally the nightmare is over. Following the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again. I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes. I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's judges who heard my explanation. This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold. Thank you again for all the love and support. I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch."</p>

WHAT PAUL POGBA SAID

<p>The former Manchester United man admitted he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/paul-pogba-contemplated-retirement-alleged-extortion-plot-juventus-france-star-admits-money-break-up-family-create-war/blt131a5710797ef21f" target="_blank">contemplated retirement in 2023,</a> before admitting he was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/paul-pogba-not-finished-juventus-midfielder-vows-fight-injustice-four-year-doping-ban-rules-out-retirement-france-euro-2024/blt6beff77ca5b7b909" target="_blank">"not finished" with football this summer</a>. He still has more than 18 months left on his Juventus contract and can return to training at the start of next year. There may yet be a redemption arc for France international. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Had the original ban stood, Pogba would not have been able to play until 2027 - when he would have been 34. As a result, the 2018 World Cup winner, who was ruled to have inadvertently taken the banned substance which boosts testosterone levels, could be back playing in a matter of months.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'A hugely distressing period' - Paul Pogba delighted that doping ban 'nightmare is over' after Juventus midfielder's suspension is reduced | Goal.com Nigeria

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says his &quot;nightmare is over&quot; after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months.

&apos;A hugely distressing period&apos; - Paul Pogba delighted that doping ban &apos;nightmare is over&apos; after Juventus midfielder&apos;s suspension is reduced