Paul Pogba’s four-year drug suspension reduced to 18 months by CAS.
World Cup winner, Paul Pogba’s doping suspension has been reduced to 18 months from an initial four years, according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This decision allows the former France international to return to competitive football in March 2025. Pogba was provisionally suspended by Italy’s anti-doping agency in September 2023 after testing positive for DHEA, a banned substance that increases testosterone levels, following Juventus’s 3-0 victory over Udinese on August 20, 2023. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Pogba’s agent stated he never intended to violate doping rules. On social media, Pogba expressed relief, stating, “Finally the nightmare is over,” and reiterated he never knowingly breached regulations. As he prepares for his return, there are indications that Pogba and Juventus may seek to end his contract early, as he hopes for another chance at an elite club before retirement.
🚨🇫🇷 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Paul Pogba can start training with Juventus from January and start playing matches in March! ✅
He just had his 4 year drugs ban REDUCED to 18 months by CAS, reports @SamiMokbel81_DM. pic.twitter.com/m4FgRFXa1K
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 4, 2024
Iga Świątek withdraws from the upcoming Wuhan WTA event.
World No. 1 Iga Świątek has been withdrawing from tournaments since the US Open, missing nearly the entire Asian tour. She has now confirmed her absence from the upcoming Wuhan WTA event (October 7-13) following her separation from coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, with whom she achieved significant success over the past three years. Świątek stated, “After a significant change in my sports team, I decided to withdraw from the Wuhan tournament. I am very sorry for the fans in China and for those who were expecting to see me play, but I hope they understand that I need some time.” Under Wiktorowski’s guidance, Świątek won four of her five Grand Slam titles and reached the top of the women’s rankings, capturing 19 of her 22 career titles and an Olympic bronze medal in Paris this past August.
BREAKING:
Iga Swiatek withdraws from Wuhan.
She’s taking time to adjust to changes within her team.
Hoping to see her back on the court soon.
🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/5uNp78PDUU
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2024
Tobi Amusan set to release a new documentary detailing her rise to stardom.
Nigerian athlete, Tobi Amusan is set to inspire future generations with her upcoming documentary, “Homecoming: The Tobi Amusan Story,” scheduled for release in early 2025. The world record holder in the 100m hurdles recently shared a trailer on YouTube, offering a glimpse into her journey from her humble beginnings in Ijebu Ode to her rise in international athletics. This documentary, a collaboration between ATHLST Studios and Magicline Films, marks a significant milestone in Nigerian sports storytelling. ATHLST Studios’ CEO Lanre Aina and sports executive Sulaiman Folarin are making their directorial debut with this project. COO Sandra Oboh emphasized its relevance in elevating female voices in sports. Amusan hopes the film will motivate young athletes by showcasing the dedication and hard work behind her achievements.
Record breaking Sprinter Tobi Amusan is set to release a documentary detailing her rise to the top 🇳🇬
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) October 3, 2024
Lamine Yamal clinches ala Liga player of the month for September.
Barcelona wonder kid, Lamine Yamal has been awarded his first La Liga Player of the Month honor for September, marking a significant milestone in his rapid development. Just weeks after claiming the Young Player award in August, the 17-year-old showcased his talent by contributing four assists and scoring his first goal in a 2-1 victory over Athletic Club. In September, he added three goals and another assist to his tally, leading to his latest accolade. As Barcelona prepares to face Alaves this weekend, Yamal’s impressive start to the 2024/25 season places him joint-top in assists with five and tied for first in combined goals and assists, boasting nine in total, alongside teammate Robert Lewandowski after eight matches. His performance has been a highlight for the club.
🔵🔴✨ La Liga’s Player of the Month for September is Lamine Yamal. pic.twitter.com/r6IwPzmcXv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 4, 2024
McTominay scores first league goal as Napoli beats Como to extend Serie A lead.
Napoli midfielder, Scott McTominay opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the match as Napoli defeated Como 3-1 in Serie A on Friday. Under Antonio Conte, Napoli now leads the league with 16 points after seven matches, four ahead of Juventus, who will face Cagliari on Sunday. McTominay capitalized on a pass from Romelu Lukaku, firing the ball off the post into the net. Although Como equalized just before halftime with Gabriel Strefezza’s long-range strike, Lukaku regained the lead for Napoli with a penalty early in the second half after Sergi Roberto fouled Mathías Olivera. David Neres sealed the victory with a goal in the 86th minute, finishing a one-on-one chance set up by Lukaku, who had a standout performance with one goal and two assists. Napoli extends their lead at the top of the Serie A table.
Super Scott got Napoli off to a great start 💙#NapoliComo pic.twitter.com/omanRZOl12
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) October 4, 2024