Juventus is poised to potentially terminate Paul Pogba’s contract following a four-year doping ban imposed on the French midfielder. According to a report by Calcio&Finanza, the club has the authority to end Pogba’s contract under the collective agreement between professional clubs and the Footballers’ Association, which permits termination for bans exceeding six months.
However, Juventus intends to discuss the matter with Pogba’s representatives before taking any decisive action. Notably, Pogba has maintained cooperation with both the club and authorities since his doping test failure in August 2023.
Calcio&Finanza notes that even if Juventus opts for contract termination, they may delay the decision until June 2024. This delay aims to avoid penalty fees associated with financial assistance received in 2022 when Pogba rejoined Turin from Manchester United on a free transfer. Under the now-repealed Growth Decree, Juventus had benefited from a 50% reduction in Pogba’s gross salary, a provision no longer applicable since the decree’s annulment, less than two years after his return to Italy.
It’s been reported that Pogba will file an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne and as reported by AP bans ‘can be reduced in cases where an athlete can prove their doping was not intentional, if the positive test was a result of contamination or if they provide “substantial assistance” to help investigators.’