Mykhailo Mudryk Faces Potential Four-Year Ban for Doping Violation

London, England — Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with violating the Football Association’s (FA) anti-doping rules, facing a possible ban of up to four years. The charge comes after Mudryk tested positive for a banned substance during a routine urine test conducted in December 2024.

The 24-year-old Ukraine international has been provisionally suspended since the positive test and has not played in any matches since. In response, Mudryk stated that he has never knowingly used banned substances and is working with his team to understand how this happened.

The FA confirmed in a statement, “We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance.” They refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Multiple sources claim that Mudryk tested positive for meldonium, a drug that has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since January 2016. Meldonium is known to assist in endurance and recovery, and it is prescribed in some Eastern European countries but is not approved in the United States.

After joining Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for £62 million in January 2023, Mudryk has struggled to maintain a consistent starting position, netting 10 goals in 73 appearances. His last appearance for Chelsea was in a Conference League match against Heidenheim on November 28, prior to the announcement of his suspension.

Following the news of his positive test, Mudryk expressed his shock and disappointment in a social media statement, emphasizing his innocence. He stated, “I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I remain hopeful to be back on the pitch soon.”

The FA’s regulations impose strict liability, meaning that players can be held accountable for any prohibited substances found in their systems, regardless of intent.

The outcome of Mudryk’s case will depend on the results of a ‘B’ sample test, which could further influence the FA’s decision regarding sanctions.