Chelsea’s Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is at the center of a serious doping controversy that could see him banned from football for up to four years. The Football Association (FA) has formally charged the 24-year-old for violating anti-doping regulations, placing his future at both club and international levels in jeopardy.
The Timeline: How It All Began
The issue dates back to December 2024, when Mudryk was subjected to a routine drug test. The result of his A-sample tested positive for meldonium, a performance-enhancing substance that has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016. As a result, the FA immediately handed him a provisional suspension, effectively removing him from all team activities.
On June 18, 2025, the FA issued an official charge, citing violations under Regulations 3 and 4 of its anti-doping policy. The statement said Mudryk was accused of “presence and/or use of a prohibited substance.”
In response, Mudryk released a public statement on Instagram, asserting his innocence:
“This situation is deeply shocking. I have never knowingly taken any banned substances. I fully respect anti-doping regulations and hope for a fair resolution.”
What Is Meldonium?
Meldonium was originally developed in Latvia to treat heart conditions by improving blood circulation. However, it became well-known for being used off-label by athletes who wanted to improve their recovery and endurance. As a result, it was added to WADA’s prohibited list in January 2016.
The substance has caught several high-profile athletes in the past. Notably, Maria Sharapova tested positive for meldonium in 2016 and served a suspension. More recently, Paul Pogba faced a similar case, receiving an initial four-year ban, which was later reduced to 18 months after a successful appeal.
Chelsea’s Position and Team Impact
Mudryk has not taken part in Chelsea team sessions or games since his banishment. His absence was most notable during the latter part of the 2024/25 season, and the club has already reassigned his number 10 shirt to Cole Palmer.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s new manager, has openly shown his support for the Ukrainian international in spite of the problem:
“We’re supporting Mykhailo and respecting the legal process. We hope everything is resolved fairly.”
Internally, Chelsea is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The club is rumored to be in search of a new winger, considering the possibility that Mudryk may not return to the pitch anytime soon. Morgan Sports Law, the same firm that defended Pogba, will represent the player during the proceedings.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The FA is presently expecting Mudryk’s B-sample results. If this second test confirms the presence of meldonium, the FA can impose a suspension of up to four years—the standard maximum penalty for first-time doping offenses involving performance-enhancing drugs.
However, Mudryk will still have legal avenues available. He can present mitigating evidence, such as contaminated supplements, and if the initial decision is unfavorable, he can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In the meantime, he remains under provisional suspension and is expected to miss major upcoming competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where Chelsea is scheduled to participate.
Wider Implications
This case highlights how doping is still a significant issue in elite football. While rare compared to other sports, anti-doping violations carry serious consequences. For Mudryk, the charges could not only derail his Chelsea career but also affect his standing in the Ukrainian national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
Moreover, the case raises awareness among athletes about the dangers of supplement contamination and the importance of strict compliance with WADA guidelines.
Conclusion:
As Mykhailo Mudryk prepares to defend himself, football fans and Chelsea supporters are left in suspense. Whether he is cleared or sanctioned, the case serves as a powerful reminder that football’s anti-doping rules are not to be taken lightly.