Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, currently playing for Chelsea, has been officially charged by the English Football Association (FA) for violating anti-doping regulations, after a banned substance was detected in his system. He could face a suspension of up to four years.

A Career Yet to Take Off

Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in January 2023 for a fee close to €70 million, Mudryk has struggled to find consistency and live up to the expectations that came with his transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk. His impact in the Premier League has been limited, and now this doping allegation further complicates his career.

According to the FA's statement, the player breached Articles 3 and 4 of the anti-doping code after testing positive for meldonium, a prohibited substance, in a test conducted in October 2024. Although he was provisionally suspended in December, the news has now become public following the formal charge.

Chelsea Responds, Backs Anti-Doping Efforts

Chelsea FC has also released a statement regarding the situation. The club confirmed it has been aware of the FA’s investigation from the start and fully supports the governing body’s anti-doping program. They also emphasized that Mudryk strongly denies using any banned substances and is cooperating with the inquiry.

Meldonium became widely known following the case of Maria Sharapova in tennis, but its use in football has been rare—making this case even more surprising. If the violation is confirmed, the Ukrainian international could face a suspension that would severely impact his professional future.

The FA will continue its investigation, and Mudryk remains sidelined from official competitions. The case has raised concern both within Chelsea and the Ukrainian national team, where Mudryk is seen as one of the country's most talented, albeit inconsistent, players.

The outcome of this case could be decisive for the future of a footballer who, at just 23 years old, is still striving to establish himself as a star in European football.