Mykhailo Mudryk, the Chelsea winger, is facing a potential ban of up to four years after being charged by the Football Association (FA) with anti-doping violations. The charges stem from a failed drugs test in December 2024, where the prohibited substance meldonium was detected in his sample.
The FA confirmed the charges, stating, "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. As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time."
Meldonium, the substance found in Mudryk's system, is a metabolic modulator that is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is commonly used to treat heart conditions but can also enhance athletic performance by increasing blood flow and improving exercise capacity.
Mudryk was provisionally suspended by the FA in December 2024 following the positive test. His last appearance for Chelsea was in November 2024. The ban in place has also restricted him from training at Chelsea's base in Cobham.
In a statement released in December, Mudryk expressed his shock and denied any intentional wrongdoing. "This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened," he stated. "I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon."
Chelsea also launched their own investigation into the matter, with the club stating that Mudryk "has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances."
The timing of the positive test is believed to be linked to international duty with Ukraine in Albania and Georgia in November 2024.
The potential ban could have a significant impact on Mudryk's career. At 24 years old, a four-year suspension would mean missing a significant portion of his peak playing years. It also raises questions about his future with Chelsea, whom he joined in January 2023 for a reported fee of £88.5 million. He is under contract until 2031.
Mudryk is reportedly working with the same legal team that helped Paul Pogba reduce his ban for a similar offense. Pogba originally received a four-year ban, which was later reduced to 18 months after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the FA conducts its investigation. However, Mudryk's career hangs in the balance as he faces the possibility of a lengthy ban from football.
