PAUL POGBA’S much-anticipated return to the football field has been called off, as his scheduled comeback match has been cancelled just days ahead of the event.
The ex-Manchester United and Juventus midfielder has remained off the pitch since September last year due to a doping ban.
Pogba was initially handed a four-year ban after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.
However, following an appeal, the suspension for the 31-year-old was shortened to 18 months.
He has since left Juventus and is now searching for a new club, with hopes of returning in March.
In the meantime, Pogba was expected to participate in the King’s Cup.
This tournament was intended to showcase football stars in a special match taking place in Dubai, scheduled for tomorrow.
However, the match has unexpectedly been cancelled just four days in advance due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Fans who bought tickets can seek refunds, and the tournament has now been postponed until 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 remarked, “This is completely unfair.”
Pogba was slated to play for Hedge & Sachs Royals, a team led by Chelsea and England legend John Terry.
The French star was poised to wear the “King’s Guard” jerseys alongside Roberto Carlos from the rival team.
This role permitted players to have 15-minute appearances per half while exempting them from offsides, as well as 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