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Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from all football activities after testing positive for a banned substance in a routine doping test conducted by the Football Association (FA). The club and the player are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The 23-year-old Ukrainian international, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a reported fee of £62 million, has not participated in any matches since November 28, when he scored during a UEFA Europa Conference League fixture against Heidenheim. His absence from the squad for subsequent matches has been attributed to illness, as stated by head coach Enzo Maresca. However, the recent developments regarding his doping test have raised significant concerns within the club and among fans.
The FA notified Mudryk of an adverse finding from his A-sample, which was collected in late October. According to reports, the substance detected is not available in the UK and is believed to have potentially resulted from contamination. Mudryk has publicly expressed his shock at the situation, stating, “I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.” He reassured fans that he is committed to clearing his name and hopes to return to the pitch soon.
Chelsea Football Club released a statement affirming their support for both Mudryk and the FA’s testing program. “Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players are regularly tested. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances,” the statement read. The club emphasized its commitment to ensuring a fair process as they work with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the adverse finding.
Mudryk is currently awaiting results from his B-sample, which will confirm or refute the findings of his A-sample. The outcome of this analysis will be crucial in determining whether he faces further disciplinary action or potential suspension from football. If confirmed, such a suspension could significantly impact his career and Chelsea’s plans for the season.
The situation draws parallels to other high-profile doping cases in football, where players have faced lengthy bans following positive tests. For instance, Paul Pogba received a four-year suspension that was later reduced to 18 months after testing positive for a banned substance. The football community is closely monitoring Mudryk’s case as it unfolds.
Since joining Chelsea, Mudryk has had a mixed performance record, contributing five goals across 26 Premier League starts. His recent absence from matchday squads raises questions about his future with the club, especially as he navigates this challenging period. With seven years remaining on his contract following an extension earlier this year, both Mudryk and Chelsea are keen to resolve this matter swiftly.
