Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended after failing a doping test, potentially facing a lengthy ban from football.
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Ukrainian outlet Tribuna first reported that Mudryk’s ‘A’ sample, taken in October, contained a banned substance.
The 23-year-old and his representatives have requested analysis of the ‘B’ sample to confirm the result.
Mudryk responded to the news on Instagram, expressing disbelief. “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.
I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.” The Ukrainian international added that he remains confident of clearing his name.
Chelsea issued a statement supporting both Mudryk and The FA’s investigation: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.
Both Mykhailo and the club will work with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of this adverse finding.”
Signed in January 2023 for £89 million from Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk has struggled to make a consistent impact at Chelsea. His last appearance came on November 28 in a Conference League victory over FC Heidenheim.
Since then, he has been sidelined with what manager Enzo Maresca described as “illness” during matches against Southampton and Tottenham.
The suspension comes under the strict regulations of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA), which stipulates bans of up to four years for doping violations.
Notably, Paul Pogba recently faced a similar situation, receiving an initial four-year suspension for testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). His ban was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal.
Mudryk’s situation casts uncertainty over his Chelsea future. If found guilty, he could face significant time away from the pitch, leaving both his career and Chelsea’s plans in turmoil.
Further updates are expected once the results of the ‘B’ sample and ongoing investigations are revealed.
