Pogba’s Anti-Doping Suspension
In a startling development for the football world, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended from playing due to an anti-doping violation. Italy’s National Anti-Doping Tribunal (Nado) confirmed that Pogba’s drug test, conducted after Juventus’ 3-0 triumph over Udinese on August 20, returned results with elevated levels of testosterone.
Despite being an unused substitute during the match, Pogba was selected at random for post-match drug testing. If found guilty of doping, the 30-year-old French international could potentially face a suspension ranging from two to four years. Juventus released an official statement, saying, “Juventus Football Club announces that today, on September 11, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests carried out on August 20, 2023. The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”
Nado’s findings revealed that Pogba had violated anti-doping regulations by testing positive for “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites.” The results were deemed “consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds.” Testosterone, a hormone known to enhance athletes’ endurance, has been a subject of scrutiny in the world of sports.
Pogba now has a limited window of three days to produce a counter-analysis of the test result to Nado, as he seeks to clear his name from this grave allegation. The footballing community watches with bated breath as the investigation unfolds, casting a shadow over Pogba’s career and raising questions about the integrity of the sport.
Spanish FA Controversy Deepens
In a separate incident that has rocked the footballing world, Spain forward Jenni Hermoso filed a legal complaint last week against former Spanish Football Association (FA) president Luis Rubiales. Hermoso, 33, alleged that Rubiales kissed her on the lips without her consent following her country’s Women’s World Cup final victory.
Rubiales countered by asserting that the kiss was “mutual” and “consensual.” However, the controversy surrounding the incident led to Rubiales’ resignation as the president of the Spanish FA, marking a significant development in the realm of women’s football.
Last week, Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a formal complaint with Spain’s high court against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault and coercion. On Monday, Judge Francisco de Jorge of the National Court accepted the complaint, initiating a legal process that could have serious implications for Rubiales.
A magistrate will be appointed to lead an investigation, which will ultimately conclude with a recommendation for the case to either proceed to trial or be dismissed. Under Spanish law, the charge of sexual assault carries penalties ranging from fines to a maximum prison sentence of four years.
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