Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk Under FA Investigation Following “Adverse Finding” in Drug Test
Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been informed of an “adverse finding” from a routine drug test conducted by the Football Association (FA). The 23-year-old has not appeared in any matches for Enzo Maresca’s team since their UEFA Conference League victory over Heidenheim last month.
In response to the FA’s results, Mudryk strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I have never knowingly used any banned substances or violated any rules.” The player, who was acquired by Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for £62 million almost two years ago, now faces the potential of a substantial suspension if found guilty of breaching anti-doping rules.
Links to Pogba’s Doping Case
Mudryk’s situation has drawn comparisons to that of Paul Pogba, who was recently suspended after a random drug test revealed high testosterone levels. Pogba, 31, initially faced a four-year ban, but an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his suspension to 18 months. Following the ruling, Juventus terminated Pogba’s contract, leaving him without a club.
The circumstances surrounding Mudryk have led to speculation about his potential outcome, with many referencing the precedent set by Pogba’s case and its legal ramifications.
Chelsea’s Official Statement
In an official response, Chelsea said:
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk regarding an adverse finding in a routine urine test.
Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing programme, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are tested regularly. Mykhailo has categorically stated that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.
Both Mykhailo and the Club will work with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the adverse finding. The Club will not be making any further comments at this time.”
What’s Next?
As investigations progress, Chelsea and Mudryk are expected to cooperate fully with the FA. Should Mudryk be found guilty of doping violations, he could face a lengthy suspension, which would have significant consequences for both his career and Chelsea’s season plans.
Fans and analysts are awaiting further updates from the FA, while Chelsea supporters are hopeful that the investigation will exonerate Mudryk and restore his reputation.
