Paul Pogba's four-year doping ban is REDUCED after appeal

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Pogba insisted he would be appealing the four-year ban given to him in February

Paul Pogba has had his four year drugs ban slashed to just 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In a huge development that arrives as a significant victory for the midfielder, Mail Sport can exclusively reveal that the World Cup winner's original suspension, that commenced on September 11, 2023, will end in March 2025.

Pogba was facing potential retirement from football had CAS upheld his four-year suspension.

However, the 31-year-old can start planning to restart his career.

Indeed, it is understood that CAS' ruling allows Pogba to recommence training in January 2025.

Paul Pogba's four-year doping ban has been reduced to just 18 months after he appealed

The former Manchester United midfielder faced potential retirement if the ban was upheld

He can now, however, start planning his return to football and will be able to play in March

His original €5,000 (£4176) fine has been set aside.

Pogba later released a statement in which the French World Cup winner celebrated the end of 'the nightmare'.

'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.

It was confirmed that Pogba did inadvertently take DHEA, which boosts testosterone but has an affect on females

'I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.'

In CAS' final judgement it was confirmed that Pogba did inadvertently take DHEA, a substance that boosts testosterone that is on WADA's banned list.

Crucially, however, the ruling states that DHEA only has an affect on females.

Pogba's appeal took place at CAS' HQ in Switzerland at the end of August and the player has only recently been informed of the verdict.

The former Manchester United midfielder was hit with the ban after featuring for Juventus in their opening game of the 2023-24 season against Udinese on August 20.

Mail Sport revealed in May that an American clinic 10X Health Systems are at the centre of Pogba's ongoing fight to clear his name, with the company mentioned in the midfielder's appeal submissions.

Pogba's appeal took place at CAS' HQ in Switzerland at the end of August and he has only recently been informed of the verdict

It is understood there is photographic evidence of 10X Health Systems' name featuring on the label of at least one of pill bottles received by Pogba.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Pogba posted a sand timer emoji accompanied by a photo of himself in some football boots soon after the news was revealed, seemingly pointing to time running down before he can play again.

Representatives for Pogba declined to comment. CAS have been contacted by Mail Sport for comment.

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