Mykhaylo Mudryk Risks Four-Year Ban After Alleged Positive Test For Banned Substance

Chelsea forward, Mykhaylo Mudryk could face a four-year ban following reports that he tested positive for a banned substance.

The Ukrainian international joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a massive £89 million transfer fee.

However, the 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact, managing just five goals and four assists in 53 Premier League appearances, starting only 26 times since his arrival.

There has been speculation about Mykhaylo Mudryk’s future at Chelsea, as his performances have not lived up to expectations.

Now, new allegations have surfaced, adding to his troubles.

According to Ukrainian outlet Tribuna, via APA, Mudryk’s recent doping test (A-sample) reportedly returned a positive result for a banned substance.

APA reported that testing on the B-sample has begun, with results expected soon, adding that If the B-sample confirms the initial findings, Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years.

Since the allegations emerged, the 23-year-old has been absent from Chelsea’s matchday squads.

His most recent appearance was on November 28 in a UEFA Conference League match against Heidenheim, where he scored a goal. He was last included in the squad for Chelsea’s December 1 match against Aston Villa.

Vladimir Zverov, a prominent Ukrainian journalist, outlined the potential consequences if Mudryk’s B-sample also tests positive.

Speaking to Tribuna, Zverov explained: “I have communicated quite a lot with representatives of Ukrainian anti-doping agencies. They explained to me a little how it all happens.

“If an athlete’s sample ‘A’ is taken for doping and it turns out to be positive, then there is very little chance that sample ‘B’ will give a negative result.

“If sample ‘A’ is positive, the athlete has the right to ask for sample ‘B’ to open. Or he may not ask, refuse and admit his guilt.

“If sample ‘A’ gives a positive result, and the athlete somehow feels that he is guilty – and that he may have a prohibited drug in his blood – then he refuses sample ‘B’.

“This may qualify as the athlete not cooperating with the investigation, affecting the punishment.

“If the ‘B’ sample also tests positive, which happens most often, it is officially called a violation of anti-doping rules.

“And it can be a four-year disqualification. As far as I understand now, the maximum that threatens Mudryk is a four-year disqualification.

“If sample ‘B’ gives a negative result, then he is not guilty, the case will be closed.”

MykhayloMudryk’s future at Chelsea now hangs in the balance as the results of the B-sample test are awaited.

This comes weeks after Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca revealed that the club captain, Reece James suffered another injury after sustaining a hamstring issue during training.