Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian winger for Chelsea, has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) with anti-doping rule violations, potentially leading to a lengthy ban from football. The charges stem from an adverse finding in a urine sample taken last year, with the FA alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in violation of Regulations 3 and 4 of the FA's Anti-Doping Regulations.
The FA released a statement confirming the charge, stating that they are unable to provide further comment due to the ongoing nature of the case. Chelsea has also declined to comment on the situation.
This development marks a significant setback for Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for a substantial fee. He was seen as a promising talent and a key part of Chelsea's future plans. However, his performances have been inconsistent, and this doping charge now casts a shadow over his career at the club.
Back in December 2024, when the initial reports of the adverse finding emerged, Mudryk expressed his shock and disbelief. In a statement released on social media, he asserted that he had "never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules" and was working with his team to investigate how this could have happened. Chelsea also released a statement at the time, confirming their support for the FA's testing program and Mudryk's claim of innocence. The club indicated they would work with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the adverse finding.
According to multiple reports, the prohibited substance detected in Mudryk's sample was Meldonium. Meldonium is a metabolic modulator that was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) banned list in 2016. It is believed to enhance athletic performance by increasing blood flow, which improves exercise capacity.
The potential consequences for Mudryk are severe. Under FA anti-doping rules, players who test positive for prohibited substances can face bans of up to four years. The length of the ban depends on various factors, including the nature of the substance, whether the violation was intentional, and the level of fault on the part of the player.
Mudryk's last competitive appearance for Chelsea was in November 2024, prior to his provisional suspension. He has been unable to train with the team. Given the potential length of the ban, his future at Chelsea is now uncertain. The club may consider its options depending on the outcome of the proceedings and the length of any suspension imposed.
This case also draws parallels to the doping case involving Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who received a four-year ban that was later reduced to 18 months. Mudryk is reportedly working with the same legal firm that represented Pogba in an effort to clear his name or mitigate any potential ban.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Mudryk as he navigates the FA's disciplinary process. He will need to provide a compelling explanation for the adverse finding and demonstrate that he did not knowingly ingest any prohibited substance. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on his career and Chelsea's plans for the future.
