Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is at risk of receiving a lengthy suspension after a failed drugs test reportedly revealed a banned substance in his system. The 23-year-old has not featured for the Blues since scoring in the Europa Conference League match against Heidenheim and was last included in a matchday squad earlier this month against Aston Villa.
Reports emerging from Mudryk’s native Ukraine initially revealed the news of a failed doping test, which was later confirmed by the club. A second sample has now been requested, with results still pending. Mudryk has strongly denied knowingly taking any prohibited substances.
If his B sample also tests positive, Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years, keeping him off the pitch for a significant period. The development marks a shocking turn for the Ukrainian star, who has faced challenges since his high-profile move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea released an official statement addressing the issue:
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test. Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. 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. The Club will not be commenting any further.”
Mudryk himself addressed the situation on social media, stating:
“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened. I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
Reports indicate that Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by The Football Association while investigations continue, though the FA has declined to comment further. Ukrainian media claim that the banned substance detected in the sample was meldonium, the same drug that led to Maria Sharapova’s suspension in 2016.
Mudryk’s time at Chelsea has been turbulent since his January 2023 transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89 million. Despite high expectations, the forward has struggled to find consistent form or secure a regular starting role, underperforming amidst frequent managerial changes at the club.
The transfer saga saw Mudryk initially favoring a move to Arsenal before the Blues secured his signature, reportedly leaving the player ‘devastated’ by the failed Emirates move.
As the investigation continues, Mudryk’s future remains uncertain, with both the club and player eager to clarify the circumstances behind the positive test. The outcome of the second sample and further proceedings with the FA will ultimately determine his fate.
