After months of trials and tribulations, the verdict is finally out on Paul Pogba. The Juventus star has been slapped with a four-year ban after failing his dope test. In fact, the midfielder has been out of action since the initial weeks of the campaign after he was found guilty of using prohibited substances. The ban is an enormous blow for his side, Juventus, who will undoubtedly feel his absence in the midfield.
Pogba signed with Juventus in 2022, penning a four-year contract. The player is expected to be a part of the Italian club until June 2026, netting a whopping $8.6 million paycheck yearly. However, his doping scandal forced the club to take action in September last year as they reduced his pay to a humble $45000. Notably, clubs are obligated to pay a minimal wage for suspended players under the collective agreement with the Italian Association of Footballers.
However, with the new four-year ban in place, it will be interesting to see if the club continues to pay the player. If the ban remains in place, the club could even terminate their contract with the Frenchman on a mutually agreed pay.
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However, with Pogba likely to appeal against the decision, Juventus might hold on to the option of terminating his contract, with the player still a crucial member of the squad. It will be fascinating to see if the Italian Association gives the player a little leeway with their decision. However, as things stand, Juventus is in troubled waters with Pogba’s absence.
How has Paul Pogba fared for Juventus?
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The Frenchman World Cup winner has emerged as a crucial player for the side after joining them in 2022. While he hasn’t had a major impact on the scoresheet, he has been essential to the team’s midfield by creating chances for his teammates in the attacking third. Moreover, his style of play has also opened up space for striker Dusan Vlahovic to make deeper runs into the box.
With the four-year ban in place, Juventus will have to turn to other options to play a similar role. The team has a lot of quality in their ranks, and it will be absorbing to see how the team does without the Frenchman in the upcoming games.
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Do you think a four-year ban is too harsh on Paul Pogba? Let us know in the comments below.