Pogba has received a four-year ban after testing positive for DHEA, a prohibited substance that can increase testosterone levels. His former teammate Ferdinand, who had his own doping scandal in 2003, has contacted him to offer support and encourage him to speak out to clear his name. Ferdinand emphasized the importance of being transparent and communicative in difficult situations like this, based on his previous experience.
Speaking in his podcast ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE’ he said: “I am well placed to sit here and chat about this because I have been through this,’ Ferdinand said. I am not going to jump in straight away and say he is guilty as I have been in this position and I know Paul, I need to hear from him and see some facts.
“I was told by my lawyers and the club, to let the lawyers deal with it and let it run its course and hope they do the right thing by you. If I had my time again and I was Paul Pogba now and I’m innocent, I’m chatting, I’m telling the people this is what happened.
“I think he needs to speak – whether they think it messes up the court case or not – they have given him a four-year ban, I don’t think it will be two if he appeals because these people will want to make sure they get their amount of blood. He has to look after himself here.”
Pogba faces doping allegations after taking pills prescribed by a US doctor. The pills were meant to treat some deficiencies in his blood tests, but they violated Italy’s anti-doping rules. Pogba now risks ending his career with a harsh ban from the anti-doping court. He plans to appeal the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping that his legal team can prove his innocence.
The ban comes at a terrible time for Pogba’s career, as he might lose the chance to play in his prime years if it is not overturned. He would be almost 35 when the ban ends, and he would have to deal with the consequences of a decision that could change how he is remembered in football.