Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after being provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) due to an adverse finding in a routine urine test. The Ukrainian international, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a hefty £88.5 million from Shakhtar Donetsk, is now facing the possibility of a lengthy ban from football—potentially up to four years.
What Happened?
According to reports, Mudryk tested positive for meldonium—a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Interestingly, the substance was allegedly administered while Mudryk was abroad and not on Chelsea duty. Notably, Ukraine’s national team played matches in Albania and Georgia last month, and it’s during this period that the incident is believed to have occurred.
Both Mudryk and Chelsea were notified by the FA following the adverse finding. The club released an official statement supporting the FA’s anti-doping procedures and expressed their belief in Mudryk’s claim of innocence.
Chelsea stated:
“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances… Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”
Mudryk Reacts: ‘I’ve Done Nothing Wrong’
In a personal statement, the 23-year-old winger said the result came as a “complete shock”, adding:
“I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.”
Due to the ongoing investigation and confidentiality rules surrounding the process, Mudryk has declined to go into further detail but confirmed he is working with his team to uncover the root cause of the test result.
Strict Anti-Doping Rules Could Mean Harsh Consequences
Under FA rules, anti-doping violations fall under strict liability offences. This means athletes are fully responsible for what enters their bodies, regardless of how it got there. If found guilty, Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years from all football-related activities.
Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol explained:
“Even if the substance was taken unintentionally or the sample was contaminated, strict liability means the player is still held responsible.”
The result of a second sample, known as the ‘B’ sample, is still pending. A negative result there could potentially overturn the suspension and clear the winger’s name.
Mudryk’s Current Status at Chelsea
Mudryk hasn’t featured in Chelsea’s matchday squad for the last five games, with manager Enzo Maresca attributing his absence to illness. The last time Mudryk made an appearance was as an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 1. His last game action came a few days earlier in a Conference League win over German side Heidenheim.
Currently, he is not training at Chelsea’s Cobham base but instead following an individual fitness programme at home. The club has assured they are offering full support to the player during this challenging time, including access to mental health professionals if needed.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to the outcome of the B sample and any official charge from the FA. Mudryk, who has scored three goals in 15 games this season, continues to maintain his innocence and believes his case will eventually be resolved in his favor.
For Chelsea, it’s a troubling development in an already tumultuous season. For Mudryk, it’s a critical moment that could define the next chapter of his promising yet turbulent career.
Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
