The results indicated elevated levels of testosterone, which is known to enhance athletic performance by increasing endurance.

The tribunal ruled that Pogba had breached anti-doping regulations as the tests revealed the presence of "non-endogenous testosterone metabolites," suggesting the substance was externally sourced.

A second test sample confirmed the initial findings, resulting in the imposition of a four-year ban, considered one of the most severe penalties for such an offense.

Pogba has had an illustrious career, playing for both Juventus and Manchester United in two spells. He won the World Cup in 2018, where he scored a goal in the final in France’s 4-2 defeat of Croatia.

He will be 31 years old next month, so the ban, if upheld, would last until he is nearly 35. Without playing a competitive match for four years, it would be difficult to imagine him being able to reignite a professional playing career.