Italy's National Anti-Doping Court has handed down a four-year suspension to soccer superstar Paul Pogba after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels, CBS reported on Thursday.
According to CBS, Pogba was tested in August and found to have elevated levels, and was retested in October with the results confirmed. report.
Pogba plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration. (Related: Countries once run by dictators are also fed up with China for canceling high-profile matches)
Watching the 2022 Qatar World Cup soccer final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail with Swedish soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (2 right). French soccer player Paul Pogba (second left) gives thumbs up, Doha North, December 18, 2022. (Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP, Getty Images)

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 7: Paul Pogba of Juventus arrives at the stadium before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus on May 7, 2023 at Jewys Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

MIAMI BEACH, FL – DECEMBER 2: Paul Pogba presents NYLON Presents NYLON House at Miami Art Week 2022 at Strawberry Moon at Good Time Hotel on December 2, 2022 in Miami Beach, FL. Attended. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for nylon)
“Following the decision announced today, we intend to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” Pogba said in a statement, according to soccer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
🚨 Paul Pogba releases official statement following four-year suspension for doping.
“I have been informed today of the National Anti-Doping Court's decision, which I believe is wrong.
I am sad, shocked, and heartbroken to learn of all that I have built in my life. pic.twitter.com/qsi7cYKEfc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 29, 2024
Pogba also said in a statement: “I have been informed of the Anti-Doping Court's decision today and believe that it is wrong.” “I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built during my professional career has been taken away from me. The full story will be revealed once we are free from legal restrictions. , I have never knowingly or knowingly taken any supplement that violates anti-doping regulations. As a professional athlete, I would never use a prohibited substance to enhance my performance. , I have never disrespected or deceived any of my fellow athletes or supporters of any team I have played with or against.”

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Sevilla FC's Loic Bardet comes under pressure during the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg match between Juventus and Sevilla FC at Allianz Stadium in Turin on May 11, 2023. Paul Pogba of Juventus, Italy, running with the ball. (Photo by Valerio Penicino/Getty Images)

LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 20: Hidemasa Morita of Sporting CP during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg match between Sporting CP and Juventus at the Estadio Jose Albarade on April 20, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Tackle by Juventus' Paul Pogba. (Photo credit: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 20: Paul Pogba warms up before the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg match between Sporting CP and Juventus at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 20, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. and Juventus players. (Photo credit: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Juventus' French midfielder Paul Pogba (right) meets Sevilla's French defender Loic during the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg match between Juventus and Sevilla at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on May 11, 2023.・Challenge Bade. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

EMPOLI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 3: Paul Laville Pogba of Juventus in action during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Juventus at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 3, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. (Gabriele Martinti/Getty Images)
Pogba, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, has been an outstanding playmaker for soccer giants Manchester United and Juventus, and has signed a four-year contract in 2022.