Chelsea and Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) for breaking anti-doping regulations following a failed drug test. The 24-year-old has already been provisionally suspended after an “adverse finding” was discovered during a routine urine screening in December.
Under FIFA’s global rules, footballers found guilty of deliberately using banned substances may be banned from the sport for as long as four years. At the time of his suspension, Mudryk stated he was “in complete shock” and strongly denied ever knowingly consuming any illegal substances.
He has not featured for Chelsea since 28 November and was last listed in a squad on 1 December. Since his suspension, the player has not trained with the club. Chelsea has been providing support for his mental health during this period.
FA confirms formal charges under anti-doping laws
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FA announced that Mudryk is being charged under rules 3 and 4 of its anti-doping code. The charge involves the alleged presence or use of a substance that is not permitted in football.
The governing body said the matter is ongoing and declined to offer any further public comment. Chelsea, who did not respond to the latest announcement, had earlier declared they were investigating the circumstances of the test failure.
They reiterated Mudryk’s position that he had not knowingly taken any substance in violation of the rules. Manager Enzo Maresca also expressed support, stating in December that the club “trusts” the player.
Next steps in the investigation process
According to the FA’s procedures, a player has the option to request a B sample analysis if the first test shows irregularities. Should the second sample confirm the initial result, formal proceedings will move forward.
The accused can then either accept the charge and the penalty or request a hearing to challenge the outcome. Mudryk was present at Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final win in Poland last month, but attended privately and was not part of the matchday team.
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, Mudryk joined Chelsea in a transfer worth up to £89 million. His current contract runs until June 2031, and he has scored 10 goals in 73 matches across all competitions.
