Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been formally charged by the Football Association for breaching anti-doping regulations, following a failed drugs test that could see him banned for up to four years.
The 24-year-old Ukraine international was provisionally suspended in December after an “adverse finding” was detected in a routine urine test. FIFA guidelines state that players found to have intentionally used banned substances may face a maximum four-year ban.
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At the time, Mudryk expressed he was in “complete shock” and insisted he had “never knowingly used any banned substances.”
He last played for Chelsea on 28 November and hasn’t been included in a matchday squad since 1 December. While sidelined, he has not been allowed to train with the team. Chelsea have continued to support the player and monitor his mental wellbeing during the suspension.
Mudryk attended Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final win in Poland last month in a private capacity, but was not part of the squad.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the FA confirmed:
“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.”
Chelsea have not issued a new statement following the charge, but in December said they would work to determine the cause of the failed test, reiterating Mudryk’s firm denial of knowingly using any banned substance.
Manager Enzo Maresca echoed that stance, saying: “We support Mykhailo, and trust means that we believe Mykhailo.”
Under FA rules, Mudryk has the right to request analysis of the B sample. If it confirms the original result, he can accept the findings and consequences or request a formal hearing.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £89 million and is contracted until June 2031. He has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.
