Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is facing a potentially lengthy ban from football after being charged by the Football Association (FA) with anti-doping violations. The charges stem from a positive drug test in November 2024, when Mudryk was on international duty with Ukraine. The FA formally charged Mudryk on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in violation of the FA's anti-doping regulations.
The specific substance detected in Mudryk's sample is reportedly meldonium. Mudryk was provisionally suspended by the FA in December 2024 following the initial adverse finding. This suspension prevented him from training with Chelsea and participating in any matches.
The FA's statement regarding Mudryk's charge was concise, stating they could not comment further as the case is ongoing. However, the implications for the 24-year-old Ukrainian international are significant. Under FA rules, a player found guilty of doping violations could face a ban of up to four years. This worst-case scenario would sideline Mudryk until at least 2029, a devastating blow to his career.
Mudryk has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released in December 2024, he expressed his "complete shock" at the positive test, asserting that he has "never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules." His legal team is investigating how the prohibited substance entered his system, with the possibility of contamination being explored. Mudryk maintains his innocence and is reportedly confident that he will be cleared once the legal process concludes. He has hired the same law firm that represented Paul Pogba in his own anti-doping case.
Chelsea has also launched its own internal investigation into the matter. The club stated in December that Mudryk "categorically" denied intentionally using any banned substances. While the investigation is ongoing, Mudryk has been training at home on an individual fitness program, unable to join his Chelsea teammates at their Cobham training ground.
Mudryk's last appearance for Chelsea was in November 2024, prior to his suspension. He was notably absent from Chelsea's squad for the ongoing Club World Cup. Furthermore, he was stripped of his number 10 shirt, which has been allocated to Cole Palmer for the upcoming season.
Sky Sports News reported that Mudryk believes his sample may have been contaminated, as his diet had not changed since passing a UK Anti-Doping test in August 2024.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial as Mudryk fights to clear his name. The potential consequences of a four-year ban are severe, but Mudryk's legal team will undoubtedly explore every avenue to prove his innocence or mitigate the ban's length.
