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.
GettyPaul 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 with the tournament 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