Paul Pogba’s first game after ban CANCELLED at last-minute as new date is set for King’s Cup Dubai
PAUL POGBA’S return to football is off after his comeback match was cancelled just days before kick-off.
The former Manchester United and Juventus star has not played since September last year due to a doping ban.
Paul Pogba’s return to the pitch is off[/caption]
Pogba was initially hit with a four-year suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA in August 2023.
But following an appeal, the 31-year-old’s ban was reduced to 18 months.
He has since had his contract at Juve terminated and is looking for a new club, with his return set for March.
To keep fit, Pogba was allowed to compete in the King’s Cup.
The event was set to see football royalty go head-to-head in a one-off game in Dubai tomorrow.
But the match has been shockingly axed just four days before due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Fans that had tickets can apply for refunds and it has been rescheduled to February.
Supporters have been left devastated, with one saying: “You don’t explain why it was cancelled and what happened. Just a refund doesn’t make anything better?”
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Another added: “This is not fair at all.”
Pogba was set to run out for Hedge & Sachs Royals, who are captained by Chelsea and England legend John Terry.
The Frenchman, alongside Roberto Carlos from the opponents, were going to wear the “King’s Guard” shirts.
The role limits the players to just 15 minute appearances per half and they would be exempt 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
