Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk facing long ban after failing drugs test

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Evening Standard

·17. Dezember 2024

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk facing long ban after failing drugs test

Mudryk denies ‘knowingly using any banned substance’ after positive test

According to reports in Ukraine, a sample provided by the Chelsea winger in October has tested positive for a banned substance.

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The reports claimed Mudryk is still waiting for the result of a B sample, but if the findings are confirmed then the 23-year-old could face a long ban.

Mudryk said: “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.”

A Chelsea statement read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.

Mudryk last featured for Chelsea in their 2-0 win away at Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28

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Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.

“The club will not be commenting any further.”

Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2022 in a deal worth an initial £62million.

He still has seven years to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Mudryk has made 15 appearances for Chelsea this season.

He last featured for the Blues in their 2-0 win away at Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28, and has not been in a matchday squad since he was an unused substitute in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa on December 1.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has said Mudryk has been missing since then through illness.

Mudryk’s agency and the FA did not comment when contacted by Standard Sport.