Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been formally charged by the Football Association (FA) for breaching anti-doping regulations following the discovery of a banned substance in his system during a routine drugs test. The Ukrainian international, aged 24, now faces a potential four-year ban from competitive football, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.
The charge stems from an adverse analytical finding in a urine sample collected in late 2024. Mudryk was provisionally suspended in December, shortly after the result was confirmed, and has remained sidelined from all footballing activities since. He has not featured for Chelsea since 28 November and has not been part of a matchday squad since 1 December.
According to the FA, Mudryk has been charged under Regulations 3 and 4 of the association’s anti-doping rules. These sections pertain to the presence and/or use of prohibited substances. The FA’s statement clarified that, as the investigation is ongoing, no further comment will be made at this stage.
🚨 Official: Mykhailo Mudryk charged by The FA for anti-doping violations and could face up to a four-year ban.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2025
“We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of… pic.twitter.com/UGi8nrPHea
Under FIFA and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, athletes found guilty of intentional doping offences can be suspended for up to four years. Mudryk has consistently maintained his innocence since the provisional suspension was announced, asserting that he never knowingly consumed any banned substances. In a statement released shortly after the failed test, he said he was in “complete shock” at the outcome.
Chelsea have yet to issue a new comment in light of the FA charge. However, in their initial response in December, the club expressed support for the player and committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding the failed test. They reiterated that Mudryk had denied any intentional wrongdoing.
Despite his suspension, Mudryk made a brief appearance at Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final in Poland last month, attending in a personal capacity rather than with the team. He has otherwise remained apart from the squad and has been unable to train or participate in club activities.
Blues manager Enzo Maresca, who spoke on the issue in December, reaffirmed the club’s support for the player, stating, “We support Mykhailo and trust means that we believe Mykhailo.”
As is standard procedure in anti-doping cases, Mudryk has the right to request testing of the B sample to verify the results of the original analysis. If the B sample confirms the presence of a banned substance, formal charges can proceed to a disciplinary hearing. The player may then either accept the outcome and the associated penalty or contest the findings before an independent panel.
Mudryk’s case has drawn considerable attention given the magnitude of the original transfer and his profile in European football. The winger joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a high-profile deal worth up to £89 million. He signed a long-term contract through to June 2031, highlighting the club’s long-term vision for his development.
Since his arrival, Mudryk has made 73 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals. His form has been the subject of much discussion, with glimpses of his potential often contrasted with a lack of consistent impact.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both player and club. A lengthy ban would not only derail Mudryk’s career at a critical stage but also raise questions about Chelsea’s investment and the management of player welfare.
For now, both the player and the club await the next steps in the disciplinary process. The timeline for a resolution remains unclear, with the FA refraining from speculating on the duration of proceedings. Until then, Mudryk remains suspended and absent from all official Chelsea activities.