Chelsea Winger Mykhailo Mudryk Charged with Anti-Doping Violations

Mykhailo Mudryk, a Ukrainian player for Chelsea, has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for anti-doping violations. Mudryk failed a drugs test late in 2024 and now faces the risk of a four-year ban from football.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mudryk was temporarily suspended in December 2024 after testing positive for meldonium, a banned substance. This happened while he was with the Ukraine national team, not with Chelsea. The FA confirmed the charge, as the player broke rules about the presence and use of a banned substance. Mudryk and Chelsea say he never knowingly took anything banned, and they are cooperating with the investigation. Mudryk hasn’t played since November 2024, when Chelsea won 2-0 against Heidenheim.

CHELSEA’S SEASON SO FAR

The team misses Mudryk. Chelsea struggled without him and fell to 8th place in the Premier League, seven points away from European competition spots. They’re also out of the FA Cup and have tough games coming up. Without Mudryk, Chelsea’s attack is not strong, forcing new signings and young players to step up.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Mudryk is waiting to find out what the FA decides. If guilty, he could be banned for up to four years. Chelsea’s next league game is against Brentford, who are just one point behind them. Both teams want to finish in the top half of the table as the season nears its end. The club is supporting Mudryk during this process, and his case might affect how similar doping cases are handled in English football in the future.