Mykhailo Mudryk was charged by the FA for anti-doping violations and could face up to a four-year ban. “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,” said the team management.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged by the Football Association (FA) with anti-doping violations after testing positive for meldonium, a banned substance, in a test conducted in December 2024.
The 24-year-old Ukrainian international has been provisionally suspended since the test results emerged, casting uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge.
If found guilty, Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years, a significant blow to both his career and Chelsea’s ambitions.
The FA confirmed the charge in a brief statement but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Meldonium, a heart medication added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list in 2016, is known for enhancing stamina and recovery, and its use has led to high-profile bans in sports, notably tennis star Maria Sharapova.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for £89 million in January 2023, has reportedly denied knowingly taking the substance and is focused on clearing his name, according to sources close to the player.
Chelsea, already grappling with inconsistent form this season, now faces the challenge of navigating the potential loss of a key player.
Amid the uncertainty, reports suggest the club has held discussions about securing a replacement winger, with Manchester United emerging as a potential source.
While specifics regarding the player or role remain unclear, the talks indicate Chelsea’s intent to bolster their attacking options should Mudryk’s suspension be upheld.
Mudryk’s time at Chelsea has been marked by flashes of brilliance but inconsistent performances, with the winger struggling to fully adapt to the Premier League’s demands.
His provisional suspension has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some expressing sympathy for the young star, while others question the circumstances surrounding the positive test.
