Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a prohibited substance during a routine doping test while representing Ukraine in November. The £88 million signing, who strongly denies any intentional wrongdoing, now finds himself at the centre of an extensive investigation. The 23-year-old Ukrainian international and Chelsea are collaborating with authorities to establish the facts behind these unexpected findings.
Details of the failed test
Medical examinations detected meldonium, an endurance-boosting substance, in Mudryk's sample. The drug, which gained notoriety after Maria Sharapova's case in 2016, is not available for purchase in Western Europe. The club highlighted that Mudryk's August doping test showed clear results, raising questions about the substance's origin. Following standard Football Association protocols, officials are analysing the B-sample to confirm the initial positive result.
Official statements and reactions
Through his social media channels, Mudryk expressed his surprise at the situation. "This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules," the Ukrainian wrote. He promised full cooperation with investigating bodies while maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Chelsea issued a formal statement supporting their player and the FA's anti-doping initiatives. The club launched an internal investigation, specifically examining possible contamination routes, considering meldonium's unavailability in Britain. They have maintained silence on additional details until the investigation concludes.
Career implications and current status
The Ukrainian forward last played on November 28, scoring in Chelsea's 2-0 Europa Conference League victory against Heidenheim. He has missed five matches since December 1 and stopped training at Chelsea's Cobham facility during the ongoing investigation.
The situation creates uncertainty for Mudryk, who arrived at Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk with an eight-year contract. His Premier League journey includes 26 starts in 53 appearances, though he showed improved form in this season's Europa Conference League with three goals in three matches.
Should the B-sample confirm the initial test results, Mudryk faces a potential four-year suspension. He will not participate in Chelsea's upcoming Europa Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers on December 19, as both parties await further developments in this crucial investigation.