
PAUL POGBA’S much-anticipated return to football has been derailed as his scheduled comeback match has been cancelled just days before it was to occur.
The former Manchester United and Juventus player has not stepped onto the field since September of last year due to a doping ban.
Pogba initially faced a significant four-year ban after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.
After appealing, the 31-year-old managed to have his suspension reduced to 18 months.
Since then, he has parted ways with Juventus and is actively seeking a new club, with hopes of a return in March.
Meanwhile, Pogba was poised to compete in the King’s Cup.
This event was set to showcase football stars in a unique match in Dubai, originally scheduled for tomorrow.
Unfortunately, the match has been suddenly cancelled, with only four days’ notice, due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Fans who purchased tickets have been advised they can request refunds, as the tournament has now been rescheduled for February.
Supporters are understandably frustrated, with one commenting: “You can’t just cancel and offer a refund without explanation. That doesn’t help at all.”
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Another fan expressed, “This is completely unfair.”
Pogba was set to play for Hedge & Sachs Royals, led by Chelsea and England icon John Terry.
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The French midfielder was expected to don the “King’s Guard” shirts alongside Roberto Carlos from the opposite team.
In this role, players were limited to 15-minute appearances each half and were exempt from offsides, yellow, and red cards.
King’s Cup Dubai line-up
King’s XI (subject to change):
- Edgar Davids (C)
- Roberto Carlos
- Blaise Matuidi
- Loris Karius
- Robert Huth
- Bernard Mendy
- Danny Simpson
- Franck Ribery
- Yohan Cabaye
- Ryan Babel
- Jay Jay Okocha
- El Hadji Diouf
- Bobby Zamora
- Michael Owen
- David Villa
- Al Hussaini
Hedge & Sachs Royals XI (subject to change):
- John Terry (C)
- Paul Pogba
- Marouane Fellaini
- Paul Scholes
- Ciaran Clark
- Achraf Lazaar
- Marc Albrighton
- David Silva
- Clarence Seedorf
- Blaise Matuidi
- Keiren Westwood
- Stephen Ireland
- Theo Walcott*
- Emmanuel Adebayor*
*May play