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Pogba’s Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba
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Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban has been significantly reduced to 18 months following a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)

 

This reduction means that Pogba, who is currently a midfielder for Juventus and part of the France national team, will be eligible to resume his football career much sooner than initially feared. Originally handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which promotes the production of testosterone, Pogba’s ban now stands at 18 months.

Pogba can return to training with Juventus in January 2025 and could be playing competitive matches by March 2025. He expressed relief, stating, “Finally, the nightmare is over,” and indicated his eagerness to return to the pitch, emphasizing his integrity and gratitude towards CAS for hearing his case.

Paul Pogba’s Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reduction was based on the grounds that the doping was not intentional. Pogba had argued that the substance was part of a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, not intended to enhance performance.

This ruling allows Pogba, at age 31, to potentially play out the remainder of his contract with Juventus, which extends until 2026, rather than facing the prospect of missing out on football until he was 34. The positive test occurred in August 2023, leading to a suspension in September of the same year.

The case exemplifies how strict liability in doping can be mitigated under certain circumstances, like unintentional ingestion or contamination. This outcome provides Pogba with an opportunity to reclaim his career, which has been marred by injuries and now this doping scandal, albeit with a significant portion of his peak years having been lost.

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WWE Crown Jewel Championship Rings Announced

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The WWE Crown Jewel Championship involves a unique twist to the championship tradition. WWE announced that instead of receiving the actual championship belts, the winners of the WWE Crown Jewel Championship matches will be awarded a “massive ring” similar to a Super Bowl ring.

This decision was confirmed by Triple H during the Crown Jewel kickoff event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here are the key points:

The winners of the inaugural WWE Crown Jewel Championship matches will receive a significant ring as a symbol of their victory, rather than taking home the championship belt.

The Crown Jewel Championship belts themselves will remain in Saudi Arabia, showcased at the WWE Experience fan attraction.

This year’s Crown Jewel event, taking place on November 2, 2024, features champion vs. champion matches where neither individual’s current title (like the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or the Undisputed WWE Championship) is on the line. Instead, they compete for the honor of being the Crown Jewel Champion.

This setup, including the awarding of rings, is intended to be an annual theme for future Crown Jewel events, emphasizing the prestige and uniqueness of this particular championship.

This approach seems to add a layer of exclusivity and prestige to the Crown Jewel event, aligning with WWE’s strategy to make each event memorable while also maintaining a connection with Saudi Arabia through the display of the championship belts there.

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Michael Essien Earns UEFA Football Management Certificate

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Michael Essien, the former Ghanaian professional footballer known for his time at Chelsea and other top clubs, has recently completed his UEFA Certificate in Football Management.

This achievement was announced by Essien himself on X (formerly Twitter) on November 1, 2024, where he expressed his gratitude for the support and his continuous learning in the football management domain.

This certificate adds to his credentials as he transitions from a playing career to a coaching and management role, currently serving as part of the coaching staff at Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland.

This step is in line with his long-term goal of becoming a football manager, reflecting his commitment to staying involved in football post-retirement.

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Real Madrid Football Club Eyes Wirtz and Alonso

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Real Madrid is actively pursuing both Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen, signaling significant interest for both the young midfielder and the experienced coach.

Real Madrid has intensified their pursuit of the 21-year-old German prodigy. They’ve already initiated talks with Wirtz’s representatives, indicating serious intent to secure his signature. Wirtz, known for his versatility and impressive performances, including 18 goals and 20 assists in the 2023-24 season, is seen as a future star.

While Bayern Munich also shows interest, Bayer Leverkusen would prefer Wirtz to move to Real Madrid if a transfer is inevitable, potentially easing negotiations for Los Blancos.

Alonso is currently viewed as the ideal candidate to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. His managerial stint at Bayer Leverkusen has earned him recognition, and his potential move to Madrid could influence Wirtz’s decision, increasing the likelihood of the young midfielder joining Real Madrid if Alonso takes over.

However, while these moves are heavily speculated and discussed, with initial talks having taken place, the actual transfers would still require negotiations between clubs, agreement on fees, and personal terms with the individuals involved.

The situation remains fluid, with the summer of 2025 being a likely timeline for these moves, given Wirtz’s contract situation and Real Madrid’s planning for post-Ancelotti era.

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