Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk is facing suspension after failing a routine drugs test, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Ukrainian international winger, who has been a key player for the Blues, has reportedly been provisionally suspended following an “adverse finding” in a urine sample provided earlier.
Chelsea released an official statement revealing that they had been informed by the Football Association (FA) about the issue.
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player, Mykhailo Mudryk, concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test,” the statement said.
The club emphasized that they fully support the FA’s strict testing procedures, ensuring that all players, including Mudryk, are regularly tested for banned substances. In response, Mudryk also gave his personal assurance.
“Both the club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.
“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”
Mudryk himself addressed the issue on Instagram, expressing his shock and confusion. “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance,” he said.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can,” he added.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) guidelines state that athletes who intentionally use banned substances can face a ban of up to four years.
However, if the substance was taken unintentionally or through contamination, the suspension could range from two years to a reprimand, depending on the degree of fault.
Mudryk has had a busy season so far, making 15 appearances for Chelsea, scoring three goals. His last match was a 2-0 victory over German side Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28.
However, Mudryk has not played in Chelsea’s past five matches. The forward joined the club in January 2023 for a reported £88.5 million from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
