Chelsea’s Mudryk Charged With Doping Offence, Faces Four-Year Ban

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has formally been charged by the Football Association following an anti-doping violation, after a failed urine test led to a provisional suspension that began in December.

The 24-year-old Ukraine international could face a ban of up to four years under FIFA rules, should it be determined that he knowingly consumed a banned substance.

The FA shared on Wednesday: “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.”

Mudryk, speaking in December when the positive result emerged, insisted he had “never knowingly used any banned substances” and said he was in “complete shock.”

The Chelsea forward last featured in a match on 28 November and has not been in a matchday squad since 1 December. His suspension bars him from training with the team. Chelsea said in December they would investigate the cause of the result, affirming Mudryk’s stated innocence at the time: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.”

Manager Enzo Maresca stood by the player during a press conference in December. “We support Mykhailo and trust means that we believe Mykhailo,” said the Italian coach.

Though the B sample analysis process remains an option, it has not been confirmed if that step has been taken. If a B sample confirms the adverse result, the player can either accept the charge or request a hearing.

Mudryk travelled independently to watch Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final win in Poland last month but was not part of the squad.

Chelsea signed him from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a transfer worth up to £89 million. He is contracted until 2031 and has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions.