Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been officially charged by the Football Association (FA) for a doping offence after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in late 2024. The charge falls under anti-doping rules that prohibit the presence and use of certain performance-enhancing substances.
Mudryk, who hasn’t played since November 2024, was provisionally suspended and has been unable to train with the squad. The substance in question, meldonium, was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016 for its performance-enhancing properties.
Mudryk maintains that he never knowingly took a banned substance and has hired a top sports law firm to handle his case. If the FA panel rules the violation was intentional, he could be banned for up to four years. A hearing is expected soon.
The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on both the player’s career and Chelsea’s plans, especially considering Mudryk was signed in a high-profile deal worth over £60 million in January 2023.
