Paul Pogba breaks his silence after his four-year doping ban was reduced following appeal – as midfielder closes in on return to training

Paul Pogba has broken his silence after his four-year doping ban from football was reduced.

After appeal, Pogba’s ban was shortened from four years to just 18 months, clearing the way for him to return to playing in March.

The former Manchester United midfielder took to social media soon after Mail Sport exclusively broke the news, and shared a cryptic post seemingly addressing the announcement.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Pogba posted a sand timer emoji accompanied by a photo of himself in some football boots and Tapedesign socks emblazoned with the French flag, hinting at his return date being brought forward two-and-a-half years.

His return date has been set for 18 months’ time after the ban was originally imposed in September 2023. He can return to training in January, before playing matches from March.

Paul Pogba has broken his silence after his four-year doping ban was reduced to 18 months

The midfielder will be able to return to training in January and playing in March after ban was shortened 

The midfielder took to social media to share a post after Mail Sport’s exclusive story dropped with a pair of Tapedesign socks emblazoned with the French flag

In the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s 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 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.

‘I just cannot wait to get back on the pitch.’ 

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

Pogba won the World Cup with France in 2018 as a key component of Didier Deschamps’ side 

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.

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.