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Sport

Chelsea player Mykhailo Mudryk suspended after testing positive for doping

Tuesday 17 December 2024 - 13:30

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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after the Football Association (FA) notified him of a positive drug test. Mudryk, who has faced challenges since his £89 million transfer to Chelsea in January 2023, has not played in the club's last five matches. His absence had previously been attributed to illness by manager Enzo Maresca. However, it has since been revealed that Mudryk was missing following a positive ‘A’ sample test for a banned substance, and he is now awaiting the results of a ‘B’ sample to confirm the initial findings.

In a club statement, Chelsea confirmed that the FA had contacted Mudryk after a routine urine test revealed an adverse result. The club emphasized that both Mudryk and the club fully support the FA's testing program, noting that players, including Mudryk, are regularly tested. The statement further clarified that Mudryk firmly denies knowingly using any prohibited substances and expressed his commitment to working with the relevant authorities to resolve the issue. The club added that no further comments would be made at this stage.

Mudryk, who has made limited appearances this season, started only one Premier League match, in which he was substituted at halftime. He has been more active in other competitions, such as the Conference League and Carabao Cup. His most recent appearance was on November 28, where he scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Heidenheim.

The player took to social media to express his shock over the situation, reiterating that he has never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations. He assured fans that he is working closely with his team to understand how this test result occurred, expressing confidence that he has done nothing wrong and remains hopeful for a swift return to the pitch.

This incident follows a similar case involving Paul Pogba, who was suspended for four years after a positive test in September 2023. However, his ban was reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Pogba maintained that the positive result was due to a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor and that it did not affect his performance.

The FA’s anti-doping guidelines state that players are solely responsible for any banned substances found in their system, regardless of intent. Players are strongly advised to exercise caution when taking supplements, as outlined in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list.

The FA has declined to comment further on Mudryk’s case at this time.