Pogba's suspension ends, but he struggles to find club as demand dwindles in Europe

Can Paul Pogba (32) return to the field again? His suspension is over, but no team has come forward to call him.

The British media outlet 'Bissacker' reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "Pogba is struggling to find a new club. His suspension is expected to be lifted now. However, he still has not found a team to welcome him."

The outlet noted, "Pogba will finally return to football on March 11, a long-awaited date. The 2018 World Cup winner was expected to receive a four-year ban after testing positive for testosterone in August 2023, but it was reduced to 18 months. Pogba wants to play in one of the top five European leagues, with the biggest motivation being his desire to play for the national team."

Pogba's doping case began last September when a prohibited substance was detected in the sample he submitted. Pogba underwent a doping test after Juventus' 3-0 victory over Udinese, and the result revealed issues with his testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male hormone that enhances endurance in athletes and is one of the typical prohibited substances.

Pogba claimed he had never intentionally taken the substance and expressed his grievances, but the second test also returned the same positive result. Both samples contained dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone known as the 'fountain of youth' for its effects on anti-aging and muscle enhancement.

A supplement consumed without much thought became the root of the issue. 'ESPN' reported, "According to a source, Pogba received a prescription for a dietary supplement from a friend who is a doctor in Miami, U.S. Some specific supplements are available in the U.S. but cannot be obtained in Italy."

Pogba chose to go to trial at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) instead of negotiating a sentence with the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO). CAS partially accepted Pogba's appeal. The fact that he claimed the ineffectiveness of DHEA on women was considered a mitigating factor.

Thanks to that, the penalty period was reduced to 18 months, and the fine was also canceled. The CAS panel confirmed the evidence and legal argument that Pogba's ingestion of DHEA, which he tested positive for, was not intentional and resulted from misusing a supplement prescribed by a doctor in Florida.

Additionally, CAS explained, "Since Pogba claimed that the doctor treated several international players, we were reassured that he would keep anti-doping obligations in mind. He admitted his fault and requested a 12-month suspension." The explanation for the ruling noted that "Pogba received support from several experts. Most of the evidence he provided was not refuted. Of course, he is not without fault and should have exercised more caution as a professional athlete."

Although Pogba has been away from the pitch for a year and a half, he still strongly hopes for a return to play. His contract with Juventus has already been terminated, so he needs to find a new team.

Pogba expressed his desire to return to Juventus last October. At that time, he said, "I want to stand on the field anywhere. Juventus is the first choice. I want to participate in training with my teammates. It's difficult to pass the ball to myself against a wall." He added, "I'm focusing on training again, maintaining my fitness, and doing what I love while standing on the field."

Naturally, he is open to accepting a pay cut. Pogba stated, "I want to play for Juventus again. I'm prepared to take a pay cut and stay with Juventus. I will talk to manager Thiago Motta. I want to state that I will be a great player once again," adding that he plans to request a stay from manager Motta.

Pogba is still said to be dreaming of a return to one of the top five European leagues. Bissacker reported, "Pogba, who will turn 32 at the end of this month, did not join the French national team under coach Didier Deschamps for Euro 2024 last summer. The 2026 North America World Cup could be his last opportunity to participate in an international competition."

However, the reality is that no team is calling for him. Adrien Rabiot, a former teammate playing for French Ligue 1's Olympique Marseille, has said he would like to play alongside Pogba, but no real progress has been made.

Bissacker noted, "There is little to no demand for Pogba in other parts of Europe. He earned a salary of 10 million euros (about 15.8 billion won) during his time at Juventus. His age and high wage are problematic. Moreover, since Pogba has not played since September 2023, many believe he has nothing more to offer."

The realistic options appear to be the Middle East or Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Bissacker recommended Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi plays, stating, "Inter Miami seems to be the perfect team for Pogba. He has already met with owner David Beckham and was seen in the stands during last month's opener in Miami and New York."

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