'Excellent news' – Didier Deschamps reacts to Paul Pogba's reduced suspension
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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) officially announced their decision to reduce Paul Pogba's (31) ban from football from 4 years to 18 months after a successful appeal from the Juventus and former Manchester United midfielder on Monday.
The reduction means that Pogba can now return to training later this season, in January 2025, allowing him to compete in competitive matches from March of the same year. It is not yet clear where Pogba will be playing when he does make the long-awaited return.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, it is likely that Pogba will seek a fresh start at club level and his contract with Juventus is likely to be terminated. Negotiations over a contract termination are ongoing.
Deschamps phones Pogba following suspension reduction
It is also unclear whether Pogba has a future with the France national team. Prior to his suspension, the midfielder was out of the picture due to recurrent injuries. But regardless of his future with Les Bleus, Didier Deschamps has described the reduced suspension as “excellent news”.
“The light is shining once again,” Deschamps told AFP. “He will have steps to make but it is excellent news that he will be able to play from March. I spoke to him for a long time on the phone, just like throughout this period, which has been difficult for him.”
The France manager added, “It nonetheless remains a heavy sanction, but less heavy. He knows that in March 2025, he will become a player again and since he loves football so much and he loves playing, it is excellent news for him.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
