Chelsea’s Mudryk Suspended After Adverse Doping Test Result

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a doping test and is facing provisional suspension, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The club revealed that the Football Association informed them of an “adverse finding” in a urine sample provided by the 23-year-old Ukraine international winger.

EDITOR’S PICKS 

• PDP Declares Ethiope East Federal Seat Vacant Following Ibori-Suenu’s Defection to APC
• Retired Principals Call for Recognition and Better Welfare from Government
• BREAKING: IGP Egbetokun Orders Major Shake-Up, Deploys New AIG to Lagos FCID Annex

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player, Mykhailo Mudryk, concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test,” a club statement said.

“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.”

Mudryk issued a statement via his Instagram account.

“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance,” it said.

“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.”

Athletes are cautioned on the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) website that a four-year ban may be imposed if a banned substance is found to have been taken intentionally.

FURTHER READING

• Ensure Available Of Naira Notes Nationwide -Shettima Tasks Banks
• Alleged Mass Killings: NHRC Seeks Justice For Victims
• Federal Government Allocates N700bn for Free Meter Distribution

In cases involving a specified substance or contaminated product, and if the athlete can demonstrate no significant fault, the period of ineligibility can range from two years to a reprimand, depending on the level of culpability.

Mudryk has made 15 appearances for Chelsea this season, last featuring in a 2-0 Conference League victory against German side Heidenheim on November 28, where he scored his third goal of the season.

The winger has missed Chelsea’s last five matches across all competitions.

Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a reported fee of £88.5 million ($112 million) from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, currently sit second in the Premier League and lead the Conference League standings.

Click here to watch our video of the week: