French soccer superstar Paul Pouba's drug ban has been finalized, with Italian anti-drug agency Nado announcing that Pouba will be deprived of the stadium for four years, until September 2027, when he will be able to regain his freedom. By then, he will be 35 years old, and it remains to be seen whether his career will come to a successful conclusion.
Puba featured in three consecutive matchups at the start of the season, but he grained against Udinese. After the match, he underwent a drug test but was unexpectedly found to have exceeded his testosterone levels and was subsequently suspended by FC Zuyondas first. For now, Puba's team insists that Puba did not intend to violate the rules.
Nado states that once a player's testosterone level is exceeded, the usual suspension is 2 years. This can be extended to 4 years if the violation is found to be willful. The heavy fine imposed on Puba this time is seen as a consequence of a willful violation.
Puba, 31, moved to Zuyondas from Manchester United at the end of last season, however, he has revealed that he was blackmailed by his brother due to the fact that he only appeared in six league games last season and was involved in a controversial incident with his brother, Mates Puba. He had the chance to join the Saudi League last summer but chose to stay in order to prove himself in Italy. However, that decision could bring his career to an abrupt end.
Faced with the verdict, Puba expressed shock and grief, insisting he was innocent and planned to appeal.
