Breaking: Mudryk Hit with Anti-Doping Charge at ChelseaBreaking: Mudryk Hit with Anti-Doping Charge at Chelsea
Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is maintaining his innocence after being officially charged with doping violations by the Football Association (FA), The 23-year-old Ukrainian international now faces the possibility of a ban of up to four years, stemming from a positive doping sample taken during a routine urine test late last year.
Mudryk’s Firm Stance on Doping Allegations
Mudryk has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the initial news of his positive test surfaced in December 2024. At the time, he released a public statement expressing shock at the results, asserting that he had never knowingly ingested any banned substances. That stance, according to The Telegraph, remains unchanged even after this week’s formal charge by the FA.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules,” Mudryk said in December.
“I 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.”
The winger has not featured for Chelsea since late November, having been provisionally suspended for six months pending the outcome of the investigation.
Chelsea and Legal Support in Mudryk’s Corner
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed their continued support for Mudryk, both publicly and behind the scenes. The club issued a statement when the news first broke:
“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.”
In his defence, Mudryk has enlisted Morgan Sports Law, a renowned legal firm that previously helped reduce Paul Pogba’s four-year doping ban to just 18 months. This move underlines his determination to contest the charge and seek a resolution that avoids the maximum punishment.
I speak for everyone Chelsea fan when I say:
— 𝗗𝗘𝗭𝗜 (fan) (@cfc_dezi) May 29, 2025
We all want to see Mudryk play for Chelsea next season #cfc pic.twitter.com/qMKnPWrmWM
Potential Sanctions and Career Impact
Under FIFA’s anti-doping regulations, athletes found to have intentionally taken banned substances face a standard four-year ban from all football activities. If Mudryk is able to prove there was no intent, the suspension could be shortened significantly. However, the case remains in the hands of the FA’s disciplinary process.
Mudryk’s suspension has been a major blow for Chelsea, who signed him from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a fee rising to £89 million. Touted as one of Europe’s brightest young wingers at the time, he signed a long-term deal until 2031 and was expected to play a key role in the club’s long-term project.
What’s Next?
As Chelsea continue their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Mudryk remains sidelined and focused on his legal battle. The club is providing full backing, but the outcome of the FA’s charge will ultimately determine how soon – or if – he returns to action at Stamford Bridge.
The football world will be watching closely, as Mudryk’s case could become a landmark in how football authorities deal with high-profile doping allegations in the modern era.
Breaking: Mudryk Hit with Anti-Doping Charge at Chelsea
