Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk returns ‘adverse finding’ in drugs test
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Chelsea's winger Mykhailo Mudryk has received a temporary suspension from the Football Association after his drug test showed the presence of a prohibited substance.
The Ukrainian player has been absent from the last five games for his team. Coach Enzo Maresca indicated that illness may have contributed to his absence, with Mudryk's last match taking place on November 28.
According to articles in the Times, Mudryk claims that contamination is the cause of the substance found in his test and he denies intentionally using any prohibited substances. The results for a second sample are still pending, but Chelsea is standing by the player and has started its own inquiry into the situation.
Other reports from Ukraine have identified the substance in question, but neither the FA nor Mudryk's team has confirmed this information. The substance isn't sold in the UK, yet it is listed among the banned substances by WADA.
The Blues released a statement saying: “Chelsea Football Club has received a recent communication from the Football Association regarding our player Mykhailo Mudryk and an unfavorable result from a standard urine test.”
“The Club and Mykhailo are in complete agreement with The FA’s testing initiative, and all players, including Mykhailo, undergo regular testing. Mykhailo has clearly stated that he has never intentionally used any prohibited substances. Both he and the Club will collaborate with the appropriate authorities to determine the cause of the positive test result. The Club will not be making any additional comments.”
In a post on Instagram, Mudryk expressed that he is innocent and feels "shocked" by what has happened. He also stated that he looks forward to returning to the field soon.
On the field, Mudryk began the season as a starter for Maresca, but has since lost his place in the lineup. He has only come off the bench six times in the Premier League, with the majority of his playing time occurring in the Uefa Conference League. In that tournament, he has found the net three times, but he has yet to score or assist in the top league this season.
The winger committed to an eight-year deal at Stamford Bridge upon joining in 2023.
