Sports

Pogba’s Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2024

Samuel Kobina Amu

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.

Related Topics:ban Doping Football France Juventuse Paul Pogba

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Sports

Andre Ayew’s Header Sparks Ghana World Cup Selection Debate

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Ghana legend Andre Dede Ayew with a powerful header to put Nac Breda 3-2 ahead against Feyenood. This has sparked a social media debate about his inclusion to the senior national team of Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

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André Dede Ayew’s recent trademark header goal has reignited intense debate in Ghana about whether the 36-year-old former Black Stars captain should be recalled for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The incident stems from a match on March 8, 2026, where Ayew scored his first goal for NAC Breda in the Eredivisie. https://youtube.com/shorts/qC3c-dj0f3k?si=hU1CxQqynjFurEtF

In a thrilling 3-3 draw against Feyenoord, he rose highest to powerfully head in a cross from Lewis Holtby, putting NAC Breda 3-2 ahead at halftime. This was his debut goal after joining the Dutch club on a free transfer in the January 2026 window, ending a 372-day goal drought.

The goal described as a “powerful header” and “trademark” aerial finish has sparked widespread discussion on social media, in Ghanaian sports outlets, and among pundits, as it highlights Ayew’s ongoing form and leadership qualities amid Ghana’s preparations for the expanded 2026 World Cup (co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico).

- Andrew Dede Ayew played a key role in the high-scoring game, with fellow Ghanaian Kamal Sowah also involved (drawing level earlier). The header demonstrated his enduring aerial threat despite his age.

- After a challenging period (limited minutes and no goals prior), this milestone has boosted his confidence and visibility. Ayew has not ruled out a national team return, and his resurgence is seen as timely with World Cup qualification progressing (Ghana in strong contention under coach Otto Addo).

This echoes broader Ghana football discussions on balancing veterans with emerging stars, especially after recent challenges like missing AFCON 2025. Ayew’s header isn’t just a club milestone—it’s fuel for a national conversation on legacy in the lead-up to the 2026 World cup.

Sports

Semenyo Scores 15th Goal but Forest Snatch 2-2 Draw at City

Published

6 days ago

March 5, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

Manchester City and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season

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Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo continued his red-hot form by scoring his 15th Premier League goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for Manchester City as Nottingham Forest fought back for a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2026.

Semenyo, who joined City from Bournemouth in January, opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a superb volley. Assisted by Rayan Cherki, he controlled and fired home from the center of the box, giving City a deserved lead after dominating early possession.

This marked his impressive tally—his 15th in the league this campaign—and highlighted his seamless adaptation and goal-scoring prowess since the move. Manchester City looked in control, but Forest equalized in the 56th minute through Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever backheel finish.

Rodri restored City’s advantage just six minutes later, heading in from Rayan Aït-Nouri’s corner to make it 2-1.However, Forest refused to lie down. Elliot Anderson snatched a late equalizer in the 76th minute (some reports note around the 76th-80th mark), drilling home to secure a vital point for the visitors in their relegation battle.

The result left Pep Guardiola’s side frustrated, dropping precious points in the title race—now trailing leaders Arsenal by seven points after the Gunners’ win over Brighton.Semenyo nearly won it for City in stoppage time, forcing a superb save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels on a free-kick, but the draw stood.

The Ghana international was among City’s standout performers, combining threat with creativity. This match underscores Semenyo’s rising stock—he’s been a key attacking force for City since his transfer, contributing goals and assists consistently. For Forest, the resilient comeback was a massive boost in their survival fight.

Sports

Ghana’s Black Queens Thrash Russia 4-0 in Pink Ladies Cup

Published

1 week ago

March 3, 2026

Samuel Kobina Amu

back-to-back 4–0 victories for the Black Queens against Russia and Hong Kong at the Pink Ladies Cup (@GFA)

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The Ghana Black Queens delivered a dominant performance by thrashing Russia 4-0 in their Matchday 2 fixture at the 2026 Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates (held at venues like Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium).

This follows their opening 4-0 win over Hong Kong, making it back-to-back clean-sheet victories with 8 goals scored and none conceded so far. The result positions Ghana at the top of the four-nation tournament table involving Ghana, Russia, Hong Kong, and Tanzania, as they prepare for the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.

Match Highlights

- Stella Nyamekye opened the scoring early in the 8th minute with a well-taken finish.

- Doris Boaduwaa added a brace (goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes, including one described as a super finish).
- Patience Ajegipina Zakaria (Ampem Darkoa Ladies striker, on debut form from the first game too) sealed it with the fourth in the 88th minute.

The Black Queens showed strong composure, high pressing, and clinical attacking under head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, who reportedly called this one of the best performances he’s seen from the team since taking charge.

This comes amid some reported tensions in the region (mentioned in Dubai context), but the team stayed focused and impressed. The Queens will take on Tanzania on Friday, March 6, 2026, in their final group game.