Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drug test, his club Chelsea have confirmed. The Ukrainian player has insisted he has “never intentionally taken any banned substances” after a routine urine test confirmed the presence of a previously unidentified substance.
Mudryk had not featured since scoring in a 2-0 win over Heindeheim in late November, with manager Enzo Maresca missing five games due to illness. Any breach of the English Football Association’s anti-doping policy will result in an immediate provisional suspension of the match.
It was not made clear when the winger failed the test or the substance he tested positive for. However, multiple reports both in Mudlik’s homeland and in the UK state that it is an ability-enhancing drug. If this turns out to be the case, he will receive a lengthy suspension from football.
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk regarding adverse findings in a routine urine test,” the club said in a statement.
“The club and Mihailo fully support the FA’s testing program and all players, including Mihailo, undergo regular testing. Mihailo categorically states that he has never knowingly used any prohibited substances. Mihailo and the club will now cooperate with the relevant authorities to establish what caused the adverse findings. ”
Mudryk, 23, joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to $112 million. Since joining, the winger has struggled to regain his form, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in 73 appearances in all competitions. Chelsea’s financial burden for Mudryk will be limited to six-and-a-half years’ wages and a depreciation fee estimated at around £50m.
“This was a complete shock as I had never knowingly used a banned substance or broken any rules before. I have worked closely with my team to investigate why this happened. We are cooperating with them,” Mudrik posted on Instagram.
“I know I have done nothing wrong and I hope to be back on the pitch soon. Due to the confidentiality of the process I cannot say any more at the moment, but as soon as possible. I will.”
