Marseille’s Limitations in Signing Paul Pogba

Recent speculation has linked Olympique de Marseille with Paul Pogba (31) following the reduction of his ban by CAF in late 2024. While his suspension was shortened from four years to 18 months, allowing him to train and potentially return to play in March, Marseille faces obstacles in bringing him on board.

Ligue 1 rules present a unique challenge. Unlike other leagues, French top-flight clubs cannot register free agents after the winter transfer window closes. This regulation applies to all unattached players, including Pogba, preventing an immediate move to Marseille in March despite his free agent status.

Exceptions to this rule are rare and specific. Ligue 1 teams may sign a ‘joker’ player only in extreme circumstances: the death of a squad member, a severe injury to a goalkeeper, or if a player suffers an injury exceeding three months while on international duty with France. Consequently, if Pogba aims to join Les Phocéens, he would need to wait until the following season.

This situation highlights the strict regulations in French football and underscores the complexities clubs face in player acquisitions outside of designated transfer periods.