Paul Pogba tested positive for a doping product, it was the bombshell of this Monday evening. The 2018 world champion, who is now awaiting the analysis of the B sample, risks a four-year suspension afterwards. His positive test on August 20 after the match between Udinese and Juventus raises questions. And in particular the product found in his urine, testosterone. Explanations.
What is testosterone?
It is a so-called androgenic hormone, that is to say allowing the appearance of male sexual characteristics. It is present in very large quantities in men, especially from puberty, since it is necessary for the production of sperm and the appearance of libido. And in much smaller quantities in women.
It is produced naturally 90% by the testicles and 10% by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. “Testosterone is the male hormone par excellence. It is the hormone of physical, psychological, and of course sexual tone,” summarizes Antoine Faix, urologist-andrologist in Montpellier.
What is the point of taking it?
If this hormone is naturally secreted by the body, it can also be administered “exogenously”. Testosterone can be ingested in a capsule that is swallowed, applied with a transcutaneous gel, or simply injected directly into a muscle via a syringe.
“For a so-called average patient, it can be prescribed by a sexologist, for example, to boost the libido, particularly in the event of a breakdown problem,” explains Jean-Jacques Menuet, sports doctor, to the Parisian. After testing positive for testosterone, LaShawn Merritt, the American 400m Olympic champion in 2008, explained that he had taken it during a “treatment” to enlarge his penis.
But testosterone has a completely different interest in athletes. “It is an effort hormone, it facilitates performance. On a physical level, we can have a gain in power, muscle growth, and to a lesser extent help with recovery (Editor’s note, Paul Pogba was back from injury). On a mental level, it will make you want to get into sporting and sexual life,” explains the man who has worked with several professional cycling teams.
This is why it is “one of the products most used by athletes who take drugs”, concludes Michel Audran, professor emeritus in biophysics at the University of Montpellier, former director of the French anti-doping laboratory. “I am stunned like everyone else,” reacts to Parisian Gaël Mahé, Pogba’s former agent. In my opinion, we must remain cautious and wait for the second opinion. I can’t see Paul bending the rules. He is a very conscientious professional. »
Why is this on the list of banned products?
Testosterone is on the list of products banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency on January 1, 2023. It is part of the first category of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), and is therefore prohibited in and out of competition.
“The regulations prohibit products for two reasons. First, anything that can have an impact on the athlete’s health, but testosterone can facilitate the growth of certain tumors. And then, the main reason, the products which facilitate performance and which create inequality between those involved in sport. Testosterone therefore fits into both boxes,” analyzes Jean-Jacques Menuet.
Can we ingest it without knowing?
Non-intentionality is the main line of defense for athletes who test positive. Could Paul Pogba have taken testosterone without meaning to? For sports doctor Jean-Jacques Menuet, it is not impossible: “It could be the taking of a polluted food supplement. Concretely, a little more than 10% of these supplements present products not included in the instructions. But if the player is well monitored, it is difficult to believe that he had access to a ‘bad’ food supplement.
VIDEO. Pogba suspended after positive doping test
“Frankly we’re talking about Juve and we can’t help but think that there are perhaps behind all this somewhat messy medical methods to get him back on his feet,” raises one of those close to him. In any case, I can’t imagine him voluntarily falling into this kind of stupidity.”
Another potential explanation: ingestion in food. “Theoretically, there are no pitfalls in the daily diet. But there may be certain doubts about contaminated meat, with beef boosted with testosterone,” tempers the former doctor from Arkéa-Samsic. In cycling, double winner of the Tour de France Alberto Contador defended himself in this way when he tested positive for clenbuterol in 2010.
But ultimately, this answer doesn’t matter. The World Anti-Doping Code is always based on the principle of strict liability. “The athlete is held responsible for any prohibited substance that he absorbs or that is administered to him and for any prohibited method that he uses or that is applied to him,” specifies the French Anti-Doping Agency on its site. In short, if Paul Pogba succeeds in proving that taking testosterone was not intentional, he could see his sentence reduced. Italian footballer José-Luis Palomino, who tested positive for Nandrolone, was first suspended for 4 months then was “cleared” after convincing his “judges” that he had ingested the steroid accidentally.
