Paul Pogba's first game back after doping suspension postponed following release by Juventus
Published 12:47 30 Nov 2024 GMT
Pogba was due to return to action in a matter of days despite still serving his 18-month ban.
Paul Pogba's planned return to football next month has been postponed at the last minute.
Earlier this month, Pogba successfully won an appeal against his four-year ban from doping, and had it reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
He was suspended for four years in 2023 after an initial sample taken following a game against Udinese showed DHEA - a compound that promotes the production of hormones in the body including testosterone - in his system.
In response to the ban announcement, Pogba denied 'knowingly or deliberately taking any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations'.
And in an interview with Sky Sports following the appeal verdict, he said: "People know me. When they saw it happened, they knew it was not on purpose. This is totally the truth. I am an honest person. I would say it."
He continued: "I am a not cheater. I am someone who loves my sport and loves the game - I don't like to cheat, I like to win fairly. People know that."
The new verdict means that the Frenchman will be allowed to return to competitive football in March. He is currently a free agent after agreeing to terminate his contract with Juventus.
But he has been permitted to play in the Kings Cup match in Dubai, which was due to feature legends from across the world of football.
Paul Pogba pictured in action for Juventus (Image: Getty)
Paul Pogba pictured in action for Juventus (Image: Getty)
Pogba, Roberto Carlos, David Silva and John Terry all signed up, with Pogba and Roberto Carlos given a different shirt to everyone else.
They both would have only been allowed to play 15 minutes per half but could not be booked, sent off or flagged offside. Their team would also get an extra player for the duration of the 15 minutes.
However, the match - which is for charity - has been postponed just four days before it was due to take place.
The organisers of the event took to Instagram to inform fans, writing: "We regret to inform you that the King's Cup Dubai has been rescheduled to February 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.
"We will announce the specific dates for the rescheduled event soon, so please stay tuned for updates."
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Paul Pogba, Football