Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban has been unexpectedly reduced to 18 months on appeal, allowing the French midfielder to resume training in January and potentially return to competitive play by March 2025. This surprising development has sparked discussions about Pogba’s future with Juventus, where he is currently under contract until June 30, 2026.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that despite the possibility of Pogba rejoining the team under new coach Thiago Motta for the latter part of the 2024-2025 season, Juventus appears to have already made decisions regarding the player’s future with the club. According to reports, the reduction in Pogba’s suspension is unlikely to alter the club’s long-standing plans.
Juventus are expected to initiate proceedings to terminate Pogba’s contract prematurely once the official reduction of his ban is announced. This decision is supported by regulations from the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC), which allow for contract termination due to contractual breach in cases of doping suspensions, regardless of their duration.
Legal representatives for both Pogba and Juventus are reportedly already working on finding a resolution. Two potential outcomes are being considered: a mutual agreement to terminate the contract or a unilateral divorce as stipulated in the existing contract terms.
This situation marks a significant turning point in Pogba’s career, which has been marred by injuries and controversy since his return to Juventus in the summer of 2022. While the reduced ban offers a glimmer of hope for the midfielder’s return to professional football, it seems his future may lie away from Turin as Juventus looks to move in a different direction.
