Chelsea Star Mykhailo Mudryk Faces Lengthy Ban After FA Hits Him With Doping Charges
Chelsea's winger Mykhailo Mudryk has received official charges from the Football Association regarding doping violations and may potentially face a suspension lasting up to four years.
Mudryk has been absent from play since his provisional suspension in December 2024 following a failed drug screening. His final match for Chelsea occurred in November, and the current prohibition has prevented him from participating in training sessions at the club's Cobham facility.
Laboratory analysis of his sample revealed the presence of Meldonium, a prohibited performance-enhancing drug. Throughout the past six months, there has been anxious anticipation while the secondary 'B' sample underwent examination.
However, the FA has now gathered sufficient evidence to formally charge the player.
"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," an FA statement given to the Telegraph explained.
"As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time."
Mudryk faces the possibility of a worldwide football suspension extending up to four years. This matches the penalty duration that Paul Pogba received upon being found guilty of a doping violation in 2023. However, Pogba's ban was subsequently shortened to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Mudryk, who insists he did not intentionally violate any regulations, has reportedly engaged the same legal representation that Pogba utilized for his case.
Having cost an initial £62 million ($83.5 million) when transferred from Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian international holds a Chelsea contract extending until 2031. However, should he receive an extended ban, the club's stance remains uncertain. Mudryk celebrated his 24th birthday in January and faces the prospect of missing his prime playing years.