Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk Suspended After Positive Doping Test, Faces Up to Four-Year Ban

Dec 17, 2024, 10:09 AM

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after the Football Association (FA) notified him of an adverse finding in a routine urine test conducted at the end of October. The Ukrainian international tested positive for a banned substance, which is reportedly only available overseas, triggering a provisional suspension pending further investigation. Mudryk, 23, has categorically denied knowingly using any banned substances. "This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules," Mudryk said in an official statement. "I am working with the FA to resolve this matter quickly." Chelsea Football Club confirmed the FA's notification and expressed full support for the player. "Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing procedures and are seeking to resolve this matter as soon as possible," the club said in a statement. The B sample is expected to be analyzed in the coming days, which could confirm or invalidate the initial positive result. If found guilty, Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years. Mudryk has missed Chelsea's last five games, and the club has remained supportive amid the ongoing situation.