Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk says he is in complete shock after testing positive for a banned substance, a development that has led to his provisional suspension from football.
The club confirmed on Tuesday that they had been contacted by the Football Association (FA) regarding an adverse finding in a routine urine test provided by the Ukrainian international. While the exact details surrounding the test remain unclear, Mudryk denies any wrongdoing and insists he has never knowingly taken any banned substances.
In response to the news, Mudryk addressed the situation publicly, expressing his disbelief at the outcome. Taking to Instagram, he said, This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened. I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.
Chelsea have also issued a statement, saying they will work diligently to determine the cause of the failed test and support the player through the investigation process. The club’s response highlights their commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness as they navigates what could become a serious issue.
Under FA guidelines, any player who provides a positive drug test can be provisionally suspended pending further investigation. If the player is found to have intentionally used a banned substance, they can face a ban of up to four years under FIFA regulations. However, mitigating circumstances, such as contamination or inadvertent use, can lead to reduced punishments.
The FA has so far declined to comment on the specifics of Mudryk’s suspension or when exactly the failed test occurred. BBC Sport’s attempts to seek clarification were met with the FA’s standard position of non-disclosure during ongoing investigations.
Mudryk’s last appearance for Chelsea was on 28 November, and he has since missed five consecutive matches across all competitions. He was included in the squad for Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on 1 December but did not feature in the match. At the time, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca stated that Mudryk’s absence was due to illness, a claim that now raises further questions given the current situation.
The Ukrainian winger joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89 million. Despite a challenging start to life in the Premier League, Mudryk has gradually begun to show flashes of the talent that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young players. Over his 73 appearances for the Blues, Mudryk has scored 10 goals, a figure many fans and pundits had hoped would rise as he settled into the squad.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is expected to reach out to Mudryk to provide support during this challenging time. Such situations can have a significant emotional and professional impact on players, and the PFA’s involvement will aim to ensure Mudryk’s wellbeing remains a priority as the investigation progresses.
For Mudryk, this positive test threatens to derail the progress he has made since his move to Chelsea. After overcoming early struggles and criticism, the winger had begun to carve out a place for himself in Maresca’s squad. This suspension—temporary or not—could prove a major setback, both for Mudryk personally and for Chelsea’s plans this season.
As the investigation continues, questions will remain about the circumstances surrounding the failed test and how Mudryk’s future may be impacted. For now, the player’s supporters and club will wait in hope for clarity and a resolution that allows him to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
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