Italian prosecutors request a 4-year suspension for Paul Pogba in doping case

Italian anti-doping prosecutors have requested this Thursday the maximum suspension of four years for the French footballer Paul Pogba of Juventus, after he tested positive for testosterone in September.

'I can confirm that we received this notification from the anti-doping authority this morning, with four years [of suspension] demanded,' said a source from the Turin club quoted by the France-Presse agency.

The positive test for testosterone, a substance that is an anabolic steroid and helps to accelerate muscle development, came after a routine check by the Italian league during the match between Juventus and Udinese on August 20, in which he did not play any minutes on the field.

To explain this positive test, the player's representation announced in September that the testosterone metabolites came from a dietary supplement prescribed by a doctor the player consulted in the United States.

Pogba, 30, has chosen not to make a plea bargain and will be tried, thus risking a maximum penalty of four years. This can be reduced if the player proves that it was not intentional, if the positive test results from contamination, or if he provides 'substantial assistance' to help investigators, according to the World Anti-Doping Code.

The French international, who played 178 matches in his first stint at Juventus from 2012 to 2016, only played six games in the previous season of the Italian league and two in the current edition, in a second stint marked by various injuries and now by the suspension imposed by the body governing Italian football.

Violence at the Copa América: CONMEBOL Reacts, Uruguay Speaks of Families in Danger

Match between Uruguay and Colombia, in the semi-finals, marked by violent scenes with Darwin at the center.

Shaquille O'Neal interested in investing in a Premier League club

Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA legend, is in negotiations to become a shareholder in West Ham United, last season's ninth-place finishers in the Premier League. Inspired after attending a game, O'Neal is keen to invest significant funds into the club.

We want to bring United to the level of Real Madrid, but it takes time

Jim Ratcliffe warns that it will take "two or three transfer windows" to get the club "to a better place."

Dorival defends Vinícius: 'People expect the same performances as at Real'

Is Brazil ready for the Copa América? That is the big question after the disappointing draw against the United States. Head coach Dorival Júnior is not worried and commented on the form of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.

PSG sends a warning to Xavi Simons: a summer sale is out of the question

If the Dutch footballer does not want to return to the Parc des Princes, the Parisian club offers him the possibility of being loaned out again.

In England, there are suggestions linking Klopp to a new club... but not as a coach

Jurgen Klopp's imminent departure from Liverpool has set off a whirlwind of speculation about his next move.

PSG female fans complain about searches in Barcelona: 'They touched our genitals'

Between 15 and 20 Parisian fans reported having been subjected to abusive searches upon entering Barcelona's stadium on Tuesday.

Movistar fires Burgos after controversial comment about Yamal

The former assistant coach's comment on the Barcelona youngster was deemed racist and led to a boycott by both the club and PSG.

John Textor emphasizes that he has evidence of manipulation in Brazilian football

The American businessman and owner of Botafogo alleges that he has evidence that the 2023 championship was tampered with and that Palmeiras was favored to become the champion.

The whole world will regret the cruelty it has inflicted on Dani Alves

Guaranteed by Ney Alves, the brother of the Brazilian footballer, who could be conditionally released from prison this Thursday, provided he pays a bail of one million euros.

LaLiga reports racist chants against Vinícius Júnior before the Atlético-Inter match

Despite these chants occurring before a Champions League game, the Spanish league will report evidence of the incident to a department of the Public Prosecutor's Office designated for hate crimes.

English channels go all out to secure Klopp for EURO 2024

The 50-year-old coach left Chelsea in September 2022, with the highlight being the Champions League victory, in a final held at the Dragão Stadium. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Ten Hag demands an apology from Fulham after mocking video about Fernandes

Erik ten Hag has nothing positive to say about Fulham's social media department. The Manchester United manager is demanding apologies from West London regarding a video of Bruno Fernandes that the club posted on its TikTok channel.

Joe Hart to end goalkeeping career at the end of the season

The English goalkeeper is hanging up his gloves at the age of 36.

The winner of the next Champions League could collect about 200 million euros

In the cycle between 2024/25 and 2026/27, the competition winner can earn a sum close to €200 million. UEFA is loosening its purse strings with the new formula.

Top Countries

Around the web

Leipzig considered Barcelona's offer for Dani Olmo ridiculous

Barcelona recently made an offer to Leipzig to sign Dani Olmo, but the terms were deemed "ridiculous" by the German club and were promptly rejected. Barça proposed 40 million euros, to be paid over four years starting in 2025, along with 20 million euros in potential bonuses based on performance.

Chelsea captain spoke with Enzo after the controversy

Reece James highlighted the apology his teammate issued following the controversy surrounding the racist chants by the Argentine national team after winning the Copa América.

Xavi Simons makes decision about his future: the coming days are 'crucial'

The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Xavi Simons would like to stay at RB Leipzig. The Paris Saint-Germain forward has recently been strongly linked with Bayern Munich and Manchester United, but he seems to prefer an extended stay in East Germany.

Huijsen is on his way to the Premier League

All signs point to Dean Huijsen continuing his career at AFC Bournemouth. Various reliable English and Italian media outlets reported on Thursday that an agreement has been reached between Juventus and the Premier League club regarding the transfer terms.

Mourinho receives reinforcement in a historic deal in Turkey

Youssef En-Nesyri has officially joined Fenerbahçe, as announced by the Istanbul club. The 27-year-old Moroccan striker signed a five-year contract, marking his first move to a new league since turning professional.

Pavlidis steals Portuguese hearts: 'Numbers that fans dream of'

Vangelis Pavlidis immediately makes his mark during pre-season at Benfica. This has not gone unnoticed in the Portuguese press.

Zaragoza and Girona finalize the transfer of Alejandro Francés

Alejandro Francés will join Girona for the upcoming season, moving from Real Zaragoza. The transfer, pending official confirmation, will see Girona pay over three million euros, potentially exceeding four million with bonuses.

Pogba's brother signs with Kanté's club

Florentin Pogba, the older brother of Paul, has found a new club. Pogba will play for amateur club Royal Excelsior Virton, which is owned by N'Golo Kanté.

Englishman Liam Rosenior succeeds Patrick Vieira as the manager of Strasbourg

Liam Rosenior has been appointed as the new head coach of Strasbourg, signing a three-year contract to succeed Patrick Vieira. The 40-year-old English coach, known for his ability to develop players and promote attractive football, joins after two successful seasons with Hull City.

Manchester United wants to add Swedish specialist to Ten Hag's staff

Erik ten Hag may add Lillestrøm SK coach Andreas Georgson to his technical staff. The Swede is expected to take charge of set pieces at Manchester United.