Mykhailo Mudryk’s career has been thrown into turmoil as the Chelsea and Ukraine winger faces a doping charge that has left him provisionally suspended from football. The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for an initial €70 million, was first suspended in December 2024 after a urine test detected a banned substance. A formal charge followed in June, though the Football Association’s investigation remains ongoing without a clear timeframe for resolution.
Mudryk’s defence is being managed by a high-profile sports law firm with a history of representing elite athletes in similar cases. His inner circle insists that he never knowingly consumed a prohibited substance, and he has even undergone a lie detector test, reportedly confirming his stance. Publicly, Mudryk has maintained his innocence, expressing shock at the positive result and a determination to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
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Central to the case is meldonium, a cardiovascular medication banned since 2016 by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The drug, known for enhancing stamina and respiratory capacity, was linked to Mudryk during his time with the Ukrainian national team. While the Ukrainian Football Association has denied staff involvement, they have acknowledged ongoing cooperation with his legal representatives. The precise circumstances of how the substance entered Mudryk’s system remain unclear.
The fallout from his suspension is being felt on multiple fronts. Chelsea have been left without a player they invested heavily in, while Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk’s former club, risk losing up to €30 million in potential add-ons tied to his performance. Although speculation emerged about legal action over lost earnings, Shakhtar’s leadership dismissed such claims, stating that financial matters are secondary to the situation at hand.
For Ukraine, the absence of their star winger has coincided with a disappointing international break, including a defeat to France and a draw with Azerbaijan, jeopardising their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Mudryk’s future hangs in the balance. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether he returns to elite football or faces a career-defining setback, making his case one of the most closely watched doping stories in recent years.
