- Mykhailo Mudryk charged by FA for breaching anti-doping rules.
- Ukraine winger has been out since December over a failed drug test.
- He denies using any banned substances knowingly.
- Could face a four-year ban if found guilty.
- Chelsea is offering support but hasn’t officially commented.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is at the centre of a doping storm after the Football Association (FA) officially charged him with violating anti-doping rules. The Ukrainian international, 24, has already been provisionally suspended since December following a failed drug test.
His suspension came after a routine urine test flagged an “adverse finding,” triggering investigations under FA regulation rules 3 and 4.
At the time of the initial suspension, Mudryk expressed disbelief, stating that he was in “complete shock” and maintained that he had never knowingly used any banned substances. Despite this, the rules are clear — if proven guilty of intentional doping, the player could be banned for up to four years.
Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since 28 November and hasn’t even been named in a squad since 1 December. He is also barred from training with the team, although the club has confirmed they are offering him support, especially regarding his mental health during this tough period.
He did, however, attend Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final in Poland last month — but only privately, with no official role.
FA Statement: Charges Confirmed
In a short statement released Wednesday, the FA confirmed the charge:
“We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance… As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”
Chelsea has kept quiet following the charge, though back in December, they said they were committed to investigating the cause of the failed test.
“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances,” the club previously stated.
Under FA rules, a player in such a situation has the right to request testing of the B sample to verify the results of the A sample. If the second test confirms the violation, the FA can push the case to a formal hearing.
The player will then have two options — accept the charge and its punishment, or contest it before a disciplinary panel.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, in a transfer that could reach £89 million. The winger is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2031.
So far, he has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions for the Blues — but this case now threatens to pause, or possibly derail, his Premier League journey.
The football world now waits for the outcome of his B sample analysis — and possibly, a landmark ruling in English football.
