Paul Pogba’s doping ban was reduced after the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted the Juventus midfielder’s argument that his ingestion of a banned substance “was not intentional”.

CAS, who cut the ban from four years to 18 months, added that the France international “should have paid a greater care in the circumstances”.

The 31-year-old was suspended by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in February after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone – a hormone that increases endurance – in his system.

Pogba appealed against the ruling to Cas, who “confirmed the ADRV (anti-doping rule violation) but reduced the sanction” to 18 months, starting from 11 September 2023.

Sources close to Pogba told BBC Sport last week he can resume training in January and will be eligible to play again from March.

he former Manchester United player argued that his offence “was not intentional and was the result of erroneously taking a supplement prescribed to him by a medical doctor in Florida”.

CAS said, external Pogba did not “seek a determination of no fault or negligence” but, instead wanted his ban reduced to 12 months, although Nado believed the four-year punishment should have stood because “the player’s recklessness was serious”.

The CAS panel “partially upheld the appeal” but “determined, however, that Mr Pogba was not without fault and that, as a professional football player, he should have paid a greater care in the circumstances”.

The decision can be appealed against to the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days on limited grounds.

Pogba was provisionally suspended in September 2023 after being randomly tested following Juventus’ first match of the 2023-24 season on August 20.

The positive test was confirmed by Nado in a second sample in October, and the anti-doping prosecutor’s office requested a four-year suspension.

“Finally the nightmare is over”, said Pogba when the reduction of his ban was revealed last week. “I can look forward to the day when I can follow my dreams again.

“I play with integrity and, although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation.

“This has been a hugely distressing period in my life because everything I have worked so hard for has been put on hold”.

The first female Vice-President of Liberia, JEWEL Howard-Taylor has been appointed the Matron of United International Peace and Governance Council , UNIPGC, for its African chapter.

She was officially sworn into office on Friday at the Jewel Starfish Headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia a colourful event that recorded overwhelming success.

She was taken through an oath of allegiance by the Global President & Chairman of Supreme Council of UNIPGC Africa,  H.E. Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah.

The former Vice-President swore to lead people and manage resources, and create value no individual can create alone.

Amb. Ojadah, the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and holder of US President’s Lifetime Achievement award congratulated Howard-Taylor for her official inauguration and expressed hope that she would bring massive value to the UNIPGC.

Howard-Taylor is considered one of the most influential African women.

Earlier, Amb. Ojadah was treated to a superb welcome from the executives of UNIPGC upon arrival in Monrovia, capital of Liberia.

Those who came out to receive him upon arrival at the airport include notable members of the UNIPGC General Assembly and key executives.

They are, Amb. Fanta Ceesay and Mrs. Joy Okikili from Liberia, Amb. Dipo Gbenro, the Country Chief for Sierra Leone, and Amb. Michael Adediran, the Country Chief for Tanzania.

Also present was Mr. Titus Charlie, representing H.E. Jewel Howard Taylor, among other distinguished officials.

This landmark occasion on Friday marks a new chapter for UNIPGC Africa under the esteemed leadership of Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor.

The event which drew massive attention across board is also a demonstration of commitment of UNIPGC Africa towards fostering peace and good governance across the continent.

Manchester City and the Premier League yesterday welcomed a decision by an arbitration panel into the English club’s alleged violations of the league’s rules on Associated Party Transactions ,APT.

The panel ruled that parts of the Premier League’s rules on APT were in breach of British competition law and were also unlawful because clubs were unable to comment on types of data the league would take into account.

The Premier League’s decision in relation to two transactions – a deal with First Abu Dhabi Bank and another with Etihad Aviation group, both in 2023 – were “reached in a procedurally unfair manner” and must be overturned, the panel also ruled.

In a statement, City said they had succeeded with their claim while the Premier League said the decision endorsed “the overall objectives, framework and decision-making of the APT system” and upheld the need for the APT system.

 The Confederation of African Football has released the draws for the 20204/2025 of Confederation Cup.

Nigeria’s representative, Enyimba International, was among the 16 clubs drawn into 4 groups of 4 teams. And according to the draw conducted on Monday, the People’s Elephants will compete in group D alongside the Egyptian giants.

Al Masry and the defending champions Zamalek alongside debutant Black Bulls of Mozambique are the teams in the group.

The top two teams will.proceed to the group stage of the competition.

Full Draws

Group A: Simba SC CS Sfaxien CS Constantine FC Bravos do Maquis

Group B: RS Berkane Stade Malien Stellenbosch CD Lunda Sul

Group C: USM Alger ASEC Mimosas ASC Jaraaf Orapa United.