Ukrainian football star valued at $73 million tests positive in doping check
Chelsea forward Mikhail Mudryk has received a positive doping test result, as confirmed by the club in an official statement. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Chelsea forward Mikhail Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years following a positive doping test, as reported by media in his home country on Tuesday. The Ukrainian international has allegedly tested positive for mildronate, a substance he encountered after participating in the UEFA Nations League with the national team in November.
Mildronate is an anti-ischemia medication commonly prescribed for heart conditions, but it can also enhance endurance and improve recovery from physical exertion. The World Anti-Doping Authority banned its use in January 2016, and it has been prohibited for athletes at all times since then, regardless of competition status.
Chelsea confirmed that the English Football Association has informed them about “an adverse finding” related to Mudryk’s urine test. The club stated that the athlete “confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances” and expressed its commitment to “work with the relevant authorities” to uncover the cause of the result.
Mudryk has been absent from Chelsea’s last five Premier League matches and has not participated in a game since November 28, with manager Enzo Maresca attributing his absence to illness. The 23-year-old took to Instagram to assert his innocence, stating he was “shocked” by the news.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules… I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon,” he said, adding that he plans to collaborate with his team to investigate the findings.
Reports indicate that Chelsea has initiated an inquiry into the matter while Mudryk awaits the result of a second urine sample. According to UK regulations, the athlete could face up to a four-year suspension if the follow-up sample also tests positive, which may jeopardize his position in Ukraine’s World Cup squad for 2026. However, sources shared with The Athletic suggest there are suspicions of foul play concerning Mudryk’s test, and this is currently under investigation.
Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for an impressive transfer fee of €70 million, marking it as the sixth-highest fee the club has paid for a player.
Chelsea's head coach is set to address reporters ahead of the club's upcoming Conference League match on Wednesday and is expected to provide further updates regarding Mudryk’s doping situation. According to FA policy, Mudryk will be provisionally suspended from games until the investigation concludes.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
Mildronate is an anti-ischemia medication commonly prescribed for heart conditions, but it can also enhance endurance and improve recovery from physical exertion. The World Anti-Doping Authority banned its use in January 2016, and it has been prohibited for athletes at all times since then, regardless of competition status.
Chelsea confirmed that the English Football Association has informed them about “an adverse finding” related to Mudryk’s urine test. The club stated that the athlete “confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances” and expressed its commitment to “work with the relevant authorities” to uncover the cause of the result.
Mudryk has been absent from Chelsea’s last five Premier League matches and has not participated in a game since November 28, with manager Enzo Maresca attributing his absence to illness. The 23-year-old took to Instagram to assert his innocence, stating he was “shocked” by the news.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules… I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon,” he said, adding that he plans to collaborate with his team to investigate the findings.
Reports indicate that Chelsea has initiated an inquiry into the matter while Mudryk awaits the result of a second urine sample. According to UK regulations, the athlete could face up to a four-year suspension if the follow-up sample also tests positive, which may jeopardize his position in Ukraine’s World Cup squad for 2026. However, sources shared with The Athletic suggest there are suspicions of foul play concerning Mudryk’s test, and this is currently under investigation.
Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk for an impressive transfer fee of €70 million, marking it as the sixth-highest fee the club has paid for a player.
Chelsea's head coach is set to address reporters ahead of the club's upcoming Conference League match on Wednesday and is expected to provide further updates regarding Mudryk’s doping situation. According to FA policy, Mudryk will be provisionally suspended from games until the investigation concludes.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
