The Court of Arbitration for Sport has reduced Paul Pogba's four-year drug ban to just 18 months.

In a major development that marks a significant victory for the midfielder, Mail Sport can exclusively reveal that the World Cup winner's original ban, which began on September 11, 2023, will end in March 2025.

Had CAS upheld his four-year ban, Pogba might be facing retirement from football.

However, the 31-year-old can start planning a restart of his career.

In fact, it is understood that the CAS ruling will allow Pogba to resume training in January 2025.

Paul Pogba's four-year doping ban was reduced to just 18 months after he appealed

The former Manchester United midfielder threatened to potentially retire if the ban was upheld

However, he can now start planning his return to football and will be able to play in March

His original fine of €5,000 (£4,176) was overturned.

The CAS's final ruling confirmed that Pogba had accidentally ingested DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels and is on WADA's banned list.

Crucially, the ruling states that DHEA only has an effect on women.

Pogba's appeal took place at the CAS headquarters in Switzerland at the end of August and the player was only recently informed of the verdict.

The former Manchester United midfielder was hit with the suspension after appearing for Juventus in their opening game of the 2023/24 season against Udinese on August 20.

Mail Sport revealed in May that an American clinic, 10X Health Systems, was at the center of Pogba's ongoing battle to clear his name. The company was mentioned in the midfielder's appeal proceedings.

It was confirmed that Pogba accidentally took DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels but has effects on women

Pogba's appeal took place at the CAS headquarters in Switzerland at the end of August and he was only recently informed of the verdict

It is understood there is photographic evidence that the name 10X Health Systems appears on the label of at least one of the pill bottles received by Pogba.

Representatives for Pogba declined to comment. CAS has been contacted by Mail Sport for comment.