Sporting justice expert Mattia Grassani, a lawyer for Napoli and Serie A, weighed in on Paul Pogba’s possible doping ban and the options in front of Juventus.
The 30-year-old Frenchman tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone following Juventus’ recent win over Udinese. He has already been provisionally suspended and could be banned for up to four years should he be found guilty.
Pogba’s return to Juventus has been a complete disaster so far, with his first year back in Turin being entirely derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 213 total minutes of action over the last 13 months.
Speaking to Maracana via Calciomercato.com, Grassani first explained the current state of Pogba’s situation.
“We are in an embryonic phase, every hour can change the scenarios. What is certain is that the presence in the urine in the first sample of traces of testosterone is something alarming that must be explained immediately.”
He touched on the gravity of this case.
“The player has been suspended as a precautionary measure, but it is a fact that in top-flight football must give us pause for thought. There haven’t been top players positive for these substances for many years.”
Grassani discussed the possible length of Pogba’s ban and what Juventus could do in response to this situation.
“It is difficult to say what the punishment will be but if the positivity is confirmed without intentional intent, the ban could be close to four years.
“The picture is very worrying, serious, it is certain that now with the suspension the ball passes to Juventus, who could already suspend Pogba from activity and pay. The alternative is that they could wait for the conclusion of the proceedings, which will be very quick.
“At the end, they will be able to decide whether to keep the contract with the Frenchman standing or terminate it and to protect the shareholders could ask for damages, which are technical, patrimonial, image.”
He was asked if Udinese and Bologna could enter the case, considering that Pogba was in the Juventus squad for both games. He didn’t get off the bench against the former.
“If he didn’t play, the result is still normal, if he took part in the match, you can’t challenge the result anyway because one positive player doesn’t lead to an irregularity, as football is a team sport.”
Finally, Grassani gave his thoughts on Leonardo Bonucci’s decision to take legal action against Juventus.
“It is true that he went to another club and had the opportunity to move, but for the player the period spent away from the first team for him is bullying and entitles him to compensation. Football is a profession that is based on constant, daily tactical and athletic work.
“If a player is lumped into different groups such as the injured and out of the squad and the player does not accept this placement, there are grounds for claiming image and technical damages. It’s a similar case to that of Pandev with Lazio.”
Serie B champs made mistakes in contract lengths (Lord Hexagon, Bonucci, Pogba, etc) and they are now clearing the house. Pogba`s contract will be terminated by the club and it was probably orchestrated by them.