Paul Pogba suspended after violating doping rules

Paul Pogba tests positive for banned substance, faces suspension and possible retirement amid investigations and club turmoil.

Paul Pogba has been suspended from all football-related activities after testing positive for a banned substance on Monday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The famous saying "When it rains, it pours" might just be the go-to statement for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba after he tested positive for a banned substance called testosterone.

Italy’s anti-doping agency revealed on Monday that a sample that was taken after the match between Udinese and Juventus returned positive for the Frenchman, despite the fact that Paul Pogba was an unused substitute in the game.

In accordance with the case that the National Anti-Doping Prosecutor had proposed, Nado Italia provided for the athlete Paul Labile Pogba's provisional suspension.

The tribunal said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules when they found the prohibited substance "non-endogenous testosterone metabolites," adding that the results were "consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds."

Juventus issued a statement acknowledging the positive result and suspension, adding that it would "evaluate the next procedural steps."

"We are waiting for the results of the counter-analysis and cannot say anything until then," Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said in a statement reported by Italian media. "The only certain thing is that Paul Pogba never intended to break the rules."

As investigations continue on the alleged case of extortion, including the involvement of Paul’s brother Matthias, the former Manchester United player is facing hell and said he considered retiring at the end of last season.

It’s a tough time for Juventus as a club after accounting irregularities cost them points last season, and they were eventually stripped of any potential participation in European games this season after new sets of pieces of evidence emerged.

Pogba has yet to start a game for the Old Lady this season, but he has featured twice as a substitute, including the 2-0 win over Empoli before the break. Pogba could face up to four months on the sidelines if found guilty of the doping allegations, and he is now suspended until further notice.