France and Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba, revealed his intention to appeal a four-year ban from football imposed by Italy’s anti-doping tribunal after testing positive for testosterone last August. The announcement came on Thursday, shortly after news of his ban surfaced, marking a significant development in his ongoing legal battle.

Expressing his innocence, the French star affirmed his plans to contest the ban, emphasizing that he firmly believes he is not guilty of the alleged offense. The decision to appeal underscores Pogba's determination to clear his name and salvage his professional career amidst the doping allegations.

A spokesman for Juventus confirmed that the club had been informed of the tribunal's decision against the 30-year-old World Cup winner, who had been under provisional suspension since September. However, Italy’s anti-doping body did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Pogba expressed his dismay and disbelief at the ruling, lamenting the potential impact on his longstanding career in professional football. He vehemently refuted the verdict, asserting that he has never knowingly or intentionally used any performance-enhancing substances.

Pogba pledged to challenge the ban through the appropriate legal channels, indicating his intention to appeal the decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This legal recourse represents his best chance at overturning the ban and restoring his eligibility to compete at the highest level of the sport.

The ban effectively sidelines Pogba from football until the 2027/28 season, presenting a significant setback in his career trajectory. Anti-doping prosecutors had recommended the four-year suspension following Pogba's positive test result after Juventus's match against Udinese in the Italian Serie A season opener on August 20, during which he was listed as an unused substitute.

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