Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) following a positive test for the prohibited substance meldonium. The test, conducted during his national duty with Ukraine last month, has left the 23-year-old player devastated. Mudryk insists he has “never knowingly used any banned substances” and attributes the result to potential sample contamination.
The £88.5m January 2023 signing from Shakhtar Donetsk faces a possible four-year ban under FA regulations. Mudryk’s absence from Chelsea’s recent squads was previously attributed to illness by head coach Enzo Maresca. The player, who last appeared in a UEFA Conference League win on November 28, is currently on an individual fitness program at home while awaiting further developments.
In response, Chelsea released a statement affirming their support for Mudryk and the FA’s anti-doping program. The club has also launched its own investigation and pledged to assist Mudryk, including providing mental health support if needed. The winger passed a routine anti-doping test in August, and the club is working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the adverse result.
Mudryk has publicly expressed confidence in his innocence, emphasizing his adherence to rules and his commitment to clearing his name. “This has come as a complete shock,” he said. “I remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.” Under FA rules, Mudryk will have the opportunity to provide an explanation for the result before any formal charges are considered.
