A last-minute request meant I was an interpreter at the hearing where former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba received a four-year ban from football, after tests found elevated testosterone in his system.
I interpreted for both Pogba and his London-based defence team and the adjudication panel in Italy during the online hearing.
As with most legal cases, I used consecutive interpretation, which is where the speaker talks for one or two sentences, then pauses while I interpret what they’ve said.
While this method is more time-consuming than simultaneous interpretation, it’s crucial for situations requiring a word-perfect rendition. There is no room for error in a legal hearing.
It was a stressful case to work on due to the gravity of the situation, but after 25 years in this role, I’ve learned how to stay calm and focus on executing the task in front of me.
Although the outcome was very sad for the defendant, effectively ending his career, I felt satisfied I’d played my part in enabling both sides to listen and understand each other accurately.
To find out how to ensure you receive a high-quality legal translation, take a look at this blog.
Image Source: Pogba relishing hearing Champions League anthem again after getting his wish at Man Utd | Sporting News