France boss offers support to Pogba on ban reduction

France head coach, Didier Deschamps, has offered support to Paul Pogba, following the reduction in his ban.

The Juventus and France midfielder has seen his four-year ban cut to just 18 months earlier this month.

Pogba was handed a four-year ban from soccer back in February, after failing a routine drug test. Non-endogenous testosterone was found in his sample given after a Serie A match against Udinese in August 2023. The Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal then handed him a four-year suspension, which began in September 2023.

Meanwhile, the news of the ban reduction means that the 31-year-old could be back on the field by March 2025. Pogba is expected to return to Juve or terminate his contract with the Old Ladies. Meanwhile, a return to the French national team could even be on the cards.

Regardless of his future with the French team, Didier Deschamps has described the reduced suspension as “excellent news”.

“The light is shining once again. He will have steps to make but it is an excellent news that he will be able to play from March. I spoke to him for a long time on the phone, just like throughout this period, which has been difficult for him”, Deschamps told AFP.

The France manager added, “It nonetheless remains a heavy sanction, but less heavy. He knows that in March 2025, he will become a player again and since he loves football so much and he loves playing, it is excellent news for him.”

“I ensure I remain in contact with and support all the players. I’ve known Paul from the very start.  When there are complicated moments, injuries, private issues, or suspensions like this one, the players know that I am available at any time and can communicate with them and with him in this case.”

Pogba’s last appearances for France came in 2022. He however missed out from the World Cup squad due to a knee injury.