In a stunning turn of events, Chelsea’s record signing Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities after failing a routine drug test administered by the Football Association. The 22-year-old Ukrainian winger, who joined the Blues in a blockbuster £89 million deal in January 2023, has not featured in the club’s past five matches due to what manager Enzo Maresca initially cited as an “illness”.
Mudryk’s Absence Explained
However, it has now emerged that Mudryk’s prolonged absence from the pitch is due to an adverse finding in a urine sample provided by the player. According to a close source, the sample tested positive for a banned substance, triggering an immediate provisional suspension pending the results of a ‘B’ sample.
In a statement released by Chelsea, the club confirmed that the FA had notified them of the adverse finding and expressed their full support for the governing body’s testing program:
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning 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 regularly tested.”
– Chelsea FC statement
Mudryk Denies Knowingly Using Banned Substances
The club also emphasized that Mudryk has “categorically” denied ever knowingly using any prohibited substances and pledged to work with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the positive test:
“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.”
– Chelsea FC statement
The FA declined to comment on the matter, while a representative for Mudryk has not yet responded to requests for a statement.
A Troubled Transition
Mudryk’s provisional suspension marks another setback in what has been a turbulent start to his Chelsea career. Despite arriving at Stamford Bridge to much fanfare as the club’s most expensive signing ever, the Ukrainian international has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag, scoring just two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Critics have questioned whether the young winger, who had limited experience outside of the Ukrainian Premier League prior to his move, was worth the enormous investment. Now, with his immediate future in doubt due to the failed drug test, those doubts are likely to intensify.
Potential Consequences
If Mudryk’s ‘B’ sample confirms the presence of a banned substance, he could face a lengthy ban from football. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, which the FA adheres to, the standard suspension for a first-time doping offense is four years, although this can be reduced if the player can prove the violation was unintentional.
For Chelsea, losing Mudryk for an extended period would be a major blow, both on the pitch and financially. The club will likely face difficult questions about their due diligence in the transfer process and whether they had any knowledge of potential issues with the player’s fitness or lifestyle prior to signing him.
Echoes of Past Scandals
Mudryk’s case is the latest in a series of high-profile doping scandals to rock the world of football in recent years. In 2016, Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho was provisionally suspended after testing positive for a fat-burning substance, although his ban was later overturned by UEFA. More recently, Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana served a nine-month suspension after mistakenly taking a banned diuretic prescribed to his wife.
While such cases remain relatively rare in football compared to other sports, they serve as a reminder that no athlete, regardless of their status or the size of their transfer fee, is immune from the consequences of violating anti-doping regulations.
A Wait for Answers
For now, Mudryk and Chelsea must anxiously await the results of the ‘B’ sample analysis, which could take several weeks to complete. In the meantime, the winger will remain suspended from all football activities, leaving a gaping hole in the Blues’ attack and casting a dark cloud over his once-promising future at the club.
As the football world watches on with a mix of shock and morbid curiosity, one thing is certain: Mykhailo Mudryk’s dream move to the Premier League has quickly turned into a nightmare from which he may struggle to awaken.
