BAD BOYS OF THE GAME
Pogba, Ronaldo banned
JUVENTUS midfielder Paul Pogba has been banned from football for four years for a doping offence. The former Manchester United player was provisionally suspended in September after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.
France international Pogba, 30, was randomly tested after Juventus' first match of the season on 20 August.
BBC Sport has been told Pogba is likely to appeal against Italy's national anti-doping tribunal's (Nado) decision.
The failed drugs test was confirmed by Nado in a second sample in October, and the antidoping prosecutor's office had requested a four-year suspension.
Juventus told the BBC they received notification from the anti-doping tribunal on Thursday morning.
The ruling means Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 33, with the ban backdated to the date of the failed test.
It is understood Pogba believes that if he did take a banned substance, he did so inadvertently.
Speaking at the time of the initial suspension, Pogba's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said: "What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule."
Testosterone is a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match for “provoking fans” following the Saudi Pro League win over Al-Shabab.
Al Shabab supporters chanted “Messi” - Ronaldo’s long-term rival Lionel Messi - after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat in Riyadh.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, 39, cupped his hand to his ear and made a gesture to the fans.
He has also been fined 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
The SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee said Ronaldo cannot appeal against the decision.
Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Al-Shabab twice came from behind before Talisca scored an 87th-minute winner.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer from Manchester United in December 2022 for reportedly the biggest football salary in history.
He has scored 20 goals in 22 league games this season for Al-Nassr, who are second in the table behind Al-Hilal. — Online