Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) after failing a drugs test, with the positive result linked to the prohibited substance meldonium.
The substance was reportedly administered abroad while Mudryk was not on Chelsea duty, during Ukraine’s matches in Albania and Georgia last month.
Mudryk, who faces a potential ban of up to four years under FA rules, expressed his shock at the situation, stating, “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.”
Chelsea has fully supported the FA’s testing program and confirmed that both Mudryk and the club are working with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the positive test.
The club also reassured that they are prepared to offer Mudryk all the necessary support, including access to mental health professionals if needed.
Chelsea’s statement read, “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, who has not been part of Chelsea’s squad for the last four matches, has been absent from the team due to illness, as explained by head coach Enzo Maresca.
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Mudryk last played for Chelsea on November 28 in a 2-0 victory over German side Heidenheim in the Conference League, and his most recent appearance on the bench was on December 1 in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
Mudryk has suggested that his sample may have been contaminated, given that nothing in his diet has changed since he passed a UK Anti-Doping test in August.
He remains confident in his innocence, saying, “I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.” He has also expressed his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation, adding, “I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
The FA’s provisional suspension allows Mudryk the opportunity to provide an explanation for the result before a formal charge is made. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and Chelsea continues to support their player through this challenging time.
