Football

Paul Pogba's Doping Ban Reduced to 18 MonthsFrench midfielder Paul Pogba's four-year ban for doping has been significantly reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision was announced on Friday by a CAS spokesperson, who confirmed that the suspension will take effect from September 11, 2023.Pogba, now 31 years old, tested positive for testosterone in August 2023, leading to his initial four-year ban. However, the CAS has now ruled that the ban should be reduced, citing mitigating circumstances. The reasons for the decision will be released at a later date.The news of Pogba's reduced ban comes as a relief to the player and his supporters. The former Manchester United and Juventus star has been out of action since his positive test, and the 18-month suspension will allow him to return to competitive football sooner than expected.Pogba's ban has been a major talking point in the football world, with many questioning the severity of the initial four-year punishment. The CAS's decision to reduce the ban suggests that they believe there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to Pogba's positive test.It remains to be seen how Pogba will perform upon his return to football. The midfielder has been a key player for both club and country throughout his career, and his absence has been felt by both Manchester United and the French national team.Pogba's reduced ban is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for redemption. The midfielder will now have the opportunity to prove that he is still one of the best players in the world and that he can overcome this setback.

Emiliano Martinez, Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has been suspended for two matches by FIFA for "offensive behavior" and "violating principles of fairplay." The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the ban on Saturday.Martinez, 32, was found to have violated FIFA's code of conduct when he held a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin after Argentina's World Cup qualifier win over Chile on September 5. He had previously performed a similar action with the Golden Glove trophy for best goalkeeper after Argentina's victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final.FIFA also sanctioned Martinez for hitting a TV cameraman's camera with his gloves after Argentina's 2-1 defeat by Colombia on September 10.The AFA expressed its dissatisfaction with the FIFA ruling, stating in a statement that it "expresses its absolute disagreement with the decision taken by the FIFA disciplinary committee."As a result of the suspension, Martinez will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on October 10 and Bolivia on October 15. Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying table with 18 points after eight matches, with Colombia trailing by just two points.Martinez's suspension highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate boundaries of celebration in sports. While some argue that his actions were harmless and in the spirit of the game, others believe that they were disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.The incident also raises questions about the role of FIFA in regulating player behavior. Some critics argue that the organization is too quick to punish players for minor offenses, while others believe that it is necessary to maintain a level of decorum in the sport.

Anwar Ali Cleared to Play for East Bengal After AIFF Reverses SuspensionIndian defender Anwar Ali has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Players Status Committee, allowing him to officially join East Bengal. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court ordered a rehearing of Ali's case, overturning a previous four-month suspension imposed by the AIFF.The AIFF had initially suspended Ali for allegedly terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan in an unjust manner. The federation also sought a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore from Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal. However, the Delhi High Court intervened, criticizing the AIFF's decision for lacking reasoning and failing to follow principles of natural justice.The court directed the AIFF to reconsider its ruling, and the Players Status Committee has now granted Ali the NOC. This means that Ali is now free to join East Bengal and participate in the ongoing Indian Super League. He will be available for their upcoming match against Kerala Blasters on September 22 and the highly-anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on October 19.Ali's suspension had been a major setback for both the player and East Bengal. The defender is a key member of the Indian national team and has been a consistent performer for East Bengal in the past. His return to the team will provide a significant boost to their title aspirations.The AIFF's decision to reverse Ali's suspension is a positive step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in Indian football. It also highlights the importance of due process and the right to a fair hearing for players.

India Defender Anwar Ali, East Bengal, and Delhi FC Challenge AIFF SuspensionIndia defender Anwar Ali, along with his current club East Bengal and parent club Delhi FC, have filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court challenging the four-month suspension imposed on the player by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The suspension stems from Anwar's alleged "illegal termination" of his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan.The AIFF's Players Status Committee found Anwar guilty of breaching his contract and ordered him, East Bengal, and Delhi FC to pay a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore to Mohun Bagan. The compensation includes Rs 8.40 crore for the residual value of the contract, Rs 2 crore paid to Delhi FC under a loan agreement, and Rs 2.50 crore for other damages.Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj expressed concern over the suspension, stating that it would deprive Anwar of valuable playing time. "How can we let the player lose out on matches in the coming days? You can get money back, but you can't get the matches back once they are played," he said.East Bengal's top official, Debabrata Sarkar, echoed Bajaj's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Anwar's participation in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL). "We have approached the Delhi HC to ensure that Anwar can play until the AIFF's Appeals Committee makes a decision on the matter," Sarkar said. "The player's career should not be affected at all cost."The AIFF's Players Status Committee also banned East Bengal and Delhi FC from registering players for two transfer windows for their involvement in Anwar's contract breach. The committee ruled that all three parties are jointly liable for the compensation amount.Anwar's transfer to East Bengal sparked controversy in Kolkata, with Mohun Bagan challenging the move and filing a complaint with the AIFF. The 23-year-old defender played a crucial role in Mohun Bagan's ISL Shield-winning campaign last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 26 games.The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the writ petition on Friday. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Anwar's career and the future of player contracts in Indian football.

Cristian Arango Suspended for Violating MLS Anti-Harassment PolicyMajor League Soccer (MLS) has suspended Real Salt Lake's leading goalscorer, Cristian Arango, for four games for violating the league's Anti-Harassment Policy. The 29-year-old Colombian forward will miss crucial matches against Los Angeles FC, Colorado, and Atlas in the Leagues Cup.Arango, who has been a prolific scorer for Real Salt Lake this season with 17 goals and 11 assists in 23 matches, will also miss the MLS All-Star Game on July 24. The suspension is a significant blow to Real Salt Lake, who are currently tied with LAFC and the Galaxy atop the Western Conference with 43 points.The MLS Anti-Harassment Policy prohibits any form of harassment, including verbal, physical, or sexual misconduct. The league has not disclosed the specific nature of Arango's violation, but it is clear that the incident was serious enough to warrant a four-game suspension.Arango's suspension comes at a crucial time for Real Salt Lake, who are in the midst of a tight race for the Western Conference title. The team will have to find a way to replace Arango's production in his absence, which could prove to be a difficult task.The suspension also raises questions about Arango's future with Real Salt Lake. The Colombian forward has been a key player for the team since joining in 2021, but his off-field conduct could now put his place in the squad in jeopardy.Real Salt Lake has not yet commented on Arango's suspension, but the team is expected to release a statement in the coming days. The suspension is a reminder that even the most talented players are not immune to the consequences of their actions.

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has been handed a two-match suspension by La Liga for his actions following the 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday. The England international was shown a red card after the final whistle for showing contempt towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.According to the referee's report, Bellingham displayed an "aggressive attitude" as he disputed Manzano's decision to blow the whistle when he headed Brahim Diaz's cross into the net in the ninth minute of added time. The goal would have given Real Madrid a dramatic victory.Bellingham's suspension means he will miss Sunday's home game against Celta Vigo and the trip to Osasuna on March 16. The 20-year-old is the leading scorer in La Liga with 16 goals in his first season at the club.Despite the suspension, Bellingham will be available for Real Madrid's Champions League last-16 second leg against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. The Spanish giants hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg.Real Madrid are seven points clear of Girona at the top of La Liga. They will be looking to extend their lead when they face Celta Vigo on Sunday.