Chelsea’s £88.5M Man Mykhailo Mudryk Charged with Anti-Doping Violation – Faces Potential Four-Year Ban
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been officially charged by the Football Association (FA) for violating anti-doping regulations — a serious development that could see the Ukrainian international banned from football for up to four years.
This charge follows a positive drugs test in December 2024, which detected meldonium, a banned substance, in Mudryk’s system. The incident occurred after the 23-year-old had represented Ukraine in international matches in Albania and Georgia in November. Importantly, the substance was reportedly administered while Mudryk was off Chelsea duty, abroad with the national team setup.
The FA, in a brief statement, confirmed:
“We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of Regulations 3 and 4 of The FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations.”
The governing body refrained from further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Mudryk: “A Complete Shock”
Back in December, when the provisional suspension was first announced, Mudryk described the failed test as “a complete shock”, insisting, “I have not done anything wrong.”
His legal team reaffirmed this stance just this week, maintaining his innocence and stating he will not comment further due to the confidentiality of the legal proceedings. Sources close to Mudryk suggest he believes the positive result may have stemmed from contamination, as he had passed a UK Anti-Doping Agency test in August 2024 and claims no change in his diet between then and November.
Chelsea: Supportive but Cautious
Chelsea launched an internal investigation immediately after the suspension and, while following protocol, they’ve stood by their player on a human level. The club confirmed Mudryk has not been allowed to train at Cobham but is maintaining his fitness through an individual programme.
Despite being out of the team, Mudryk was seen attending the UEFA Conference League Final in Poland, wearing Chelsea gear. However, club sources clarified he was there in a personal capacity and was not part of the squad or official delegation.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, speaking during the club’s pre-season in the US, confirmed the Blues are looking to sign a new winger this summer. Last season, they had Jadon Sancho on loan in a similar role, but with Sancho’s departure and Mudryk’s situation unresolved, recruitment in that position is now a priority.
Legal Battle Could Drag On
Mudryk’s legal team — the same firm that represented Paul Pogba in his doping case — is now preparing for a potentially long and complex battle. Pogba was also suspended for testing positive for testosterone while at Juventus.
If the worst-case scenario materializes, Mudryk could face a ban lasting until 2029, essentially derailing his prime years. However, football history offers some precedent for optimism: bans have often been reduced or overturned after appeals, especially through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
A close source commented:
“He’s devastated. He believes he’s innocent and is confident the legal process will clear his name. But emotionally, this has taken a serious toll.”
The Road Ahead
Mudryk’s last appearance in a Chelsea shirt came in a 2-0 Conference League win over Heidenheim on November 28, 2024. Since then, his career has been on pause, awaiting clarity.
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for a staggering £88.5 million in January 2023, Mudryk arrived with high expectations but has struggled to consistently make his mark in English football. This latest setback puts his progress and future at both club and international level in serious jeopardy.
For now, the football world watches closely as one of Europe’s most talked-about young talents fights not just to return to the pitch — but to clear his name.
