⚠️ Mykhailo Mudryk Faces Possible Four-Year Ban After Testing Positive for Banned Substance
Chelsea FC winger Mykhailo Mudryk is at the center of a growing doping scandal after testing positive for a prohibited substance during a routine drug test, leaving both the club and fans in shock. The Ukrainian international now faces the possibility of a four-year suspension from football pending the outcome of further investigations.
💥 Mudryk's Shock Positive Test for Meldonium
According to reports from Ukraine and confirmed by Chelsea Football Club, Mudryk’s A-sample tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic enhancer added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list in January 2016. The substance, known to enhance endurance and recovery by optimizing oxygen usage, has been banned due to its potential performance-enhancing effects.
The incident reportedly occurred in November 2024, shortly after Chelsea’s 2-0 UEFA Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim, which marked Mudryk’s last appearance for the club. The 23-year-old winger has since been absent from all matchday squads, officially due to illness—until now.
📢 Mudryk Breaks Silence on Instagram: “Complete Shock”
In a personal statement shared on his Instagram account, Mudryk protested his innocence, saying:
“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… I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I’m working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.”
Mudryk added that he hopes to return to the pitch soon and that he cannot share further details due to the confidential nature of the proceedings.
⚖️ What Happens Next? Awaiting B-Sample and Potential Ban
Both Chelsea and The FA are now awaiting the results of Mudryk’s B-sample, which will determine whether a formal anti-doping violation will be pursued. If the B-sample confirms the A-sample results, Mudryk could face a maximum ban of four years, though mitigating circumstances—such as unintentional ingestion—could significantly reduce the length of the suspension.
🧪 Chelsea Respond to Doping Scandal
In an official club statement, Chelsea confirmed they were contacted by the Football Association regarding an “adverse analytical finding” from a routine urine test.
“Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme,” Chelsea said. “We are working with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of this result. No further comment will be made at this time.”
⚽ Mudryk’s Chelsea Career Under the Microscope
Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a high-profile transfer worth up to £88.5 million (€100m), including bonuses. However, his performances have largely fallen short of expectations. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Mudryk has scored just 10 goals and provided 9 assists in 73 appearances, struggling to cement his place in the starting lineup.
His latest controversy comes amid a period of inconsistency and limited game time, further clouding his future at the club.
🧠 What is Meldonium and Why Is It Banned?
Meldonium is a metabolic modulator initially developed for treating ischemic heart disease. It helps the body use oxygen more efficiently, allowing for faster recovery and enhanced stamina—attributes that provide unfair advantages in elite sports. It became internationally known after several high-profile athletes, including tennis star Maria Sharapova, tested positive for it in 2016.