Mykhailo Mudryk could face four-year ban after FA charge over failed drug test

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk could face a lengthy ban after being charged by the Football Association with doping offences. Under FA regulations the winger could be banned for as long as four years after providing a positive A sample last year. It is believed the banned performance-enhancing substance meldonium was found in Mudryk’s system.

The Ukraine international has not played since last November and was provisionally suspended while he and Chelsea waited for the results of a B sample.

An FA spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of Regulations 3 and 4 of the FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations. As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.” Chelsea declined to comment.

Mudryk hired Morgan Sports Law to work on his case after his provisional suspension. The firm represented the former Juventus and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in his appeal against a four-year doping ban, which was reduced to 18 months by the court of arbitration for sport.

Mudryk denied knowingly breaking any rules. It has been claimed that he tested negatively last August and has not changed his behaviour since.

Mudryk said on Instagram last December: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and 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. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £62m in January 2023, is fighting to salvage his career. The terms of his provisional ban have prevented him from training at Chelsea’s base in Cobham or with his teammates.

The 24-year-old caused a stir when he travelled on his own to Wroclaw to watch Chelsea beat Real Betis in the Uefa Conference League final last month. He was able to join in the post-match celebrations but his No 10 shirt has since been handed to Cole Palmer.

Mudryk has struggled to make an impact at Chelsea. He has not established himself as a regular despite arriving to plenty of fanfare when the club beat Arsenal to his signature and handed him an eight-and-a-half-year deal.

Mudryk’s ban has left Chelsea short of an option on the flanks, heightening their need to bring in a right-footed left winger. They are prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.