Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine anti-doping test conducted by the Football Association (FA). The 23-year-old Ukrainian international, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a fee potentially rising to £88 million, provided a urine sample in October 2024 that revealed the presence of meldonium, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.

Details of the Positive Test

Meldonium, originally developed in Latvia during the 1970s, is used clinically to treat heart conditions by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. However, its performance-enhancing properties, particularly in increasing endurance and recovery, led to its addition to WADA’s list of banned substances. Notably, tennis player Maria Sharapova received a two-year suspension in 2016 after testing positive for meldonium.

Mudryk’s positive result emerged from an ‘A’ sample taken in October. He is currently awaiting the analysis of his ‘B’ sample, which will confirm or refute the initial findings. In line with FA regulations, a positive ‘A’ sample results in a provisional suspension pending the outcome of the ‘B’ sample analysis. During this period, Mudryk is barred from participating in matches and is also prohibited from training at Chelsea’s Cobham facility.

Mudryk’s Response

Expressing shock at the test results, Mudryk took to social media to assert his innocence:

“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 am … . I know that I have not done … .”

Chelsea Football Club’s Position

Chelsea FC has publicly supported Mudryk during this period, releasing a statement:

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the … . Both the club and Mykhail … . Mykhailo has confirmed categor … . Both Mykhailo and the … . The club will not be commenting any … .”

Potential Consequences

Should the ‘B’ sample corroborate the initial positive result, Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years, as per anti-doping regulations. This situation mirrors recent cases, such as that of former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who received a four-year ban for doping offenses, later reduced on appeal.

Impact on Mudryk’s Career

Since his high-profile transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk has struggled to make a significant impact at Chelsea. In the current season, he has participated in 15 matches across all competitions, contributing three goals and five assists. However, he has not featured in a Premier League goal this … . His last appearance was on November 28, 2024, in a 2-0 Europa Conference … victory over Heidenheim, after which he was sidelined due to illness.

Next Steps

The FA has yet to issue an official comment on Mudryk’s case. The timeline for the analysis of the ‘B’ sample remains undisclosed. Both Mudryk and Chelsea are cooperating fully with the investigation, aiming to determine the source of the banned substance in his system. Until the matter is resolved, Mudryk’s participation in both domestic and international football remains in jeopardy.

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