The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed that Paul Pogba's doping suspension has been reduced from four years to 18 months, leaving the Juventus midfielder eligible to play again in March.
The former Manchester United man was initially suspended in September 2023 after testing positive for non-endogenous testosterone, and Italy's National Anti-Doping Tribunal banned him for a full four years.
Pogba - who would not have been able to resume playing until September 2027 had the suspension been upheld - immediately appealed to CAS, arguing that his positive test was the result of a supplement given to him by a doctor.
Earlier this week, it was reported that CAS had slashed Pogba's ban to 18 months, most of which he has already served, and the Court has now confirmed the ruling with an in-depth explanation into the circumstances.
The supplement responsible for Pogba's positive doping tests only has a significant impact on female athletes, but CAS insisted that the midfielder should have paid "greater care" and therefore only partially upheld his appeal.
CAS: 'Pogba was not without fault in doping case'
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"The CAS Panel based its decision on the evidence and legal arguments made that Mr Pogba's ingestion of DHEA, the substance for which he tested positive, was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida," the statement read.
"Mr Pogba had been given assurances that the medical doctor, who had claimed to treat several high level US and international athletes, was knowledgeable and would be mindful of Mr Pogba's anti-doping obligations under the World Anti-Doping Code.
"Mr Pogba sought a sanction of only 12 months in recognition of the presence of some fault on his part (he did not seek a determination of no fault or negligence from the CAS Panel). NADO Italia argued that the Player's recklessness was serious and justified a 4-year ban.
"Mr Pogba's case was supported by several experts. Much of the evidence provided by Mr Pogba was unopposed. The CAS Panel determined, however, that Mr Pogba was not without fault and that, as a professional football player, he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances."
Pogba's €5,000 (£4,194) fine has also been cancelled by the CAS, although parties can still appeal the Court's decision to the Swiss Federal Tribunal on limited grounds within the next 30 days.
What next for Pogba after CAS doping decision?
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Even before the CAS ruling was confirmed on Monday, Pogba released his own statement expressing relief at the end of a 13-month "nightmare", and he is reportedly able to start training again in January before returning to competitive action two months later.
The 31-year-old's deal with Juventus was not terminated at the start of his ban, and he remains under contract with the Old Lady until 2026, but the two parties are now expected to agree a mutual termination.
Pogba reportedly feels that a fresh start would be the best move for his career, although it is not known whether the France World Cup winner already has a destination in mind.
Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League could be options if Pogba feels that he has exhausted his career in European football, but should he wish to continue in the continent - and potentially play in the Champions League again - it is not impossible to envisage him going back to France.
Pogba rejoined Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2022, but he has played just 12 times for the Bianconeri since his return, having been hampered by knee, groin and hamstring injuries before his positive doping test.
Ben Knapton
