Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a four-year doping ban imposed by the Football Association, hoping to return to football sooner than the expected December 2028 eligibility date. The 25-year-old winger, who joined Chelsea FC from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, has been sidelined for nearly 18 months now.
The situation escalated when Mudryk was provisionally suspended in December 2024 after failing a drug test while on international duty. He tested positive for meldonium, a substance banned under FA regulations. In June 2025, he faced formal charges and received the maximum penalty from the FA — a four-year ban.
This appeal, lodged on February 25, 2026, aims to overturn that decision. Mudryk insists he has never knowingly used any banned substances. “The positive sample had come as a complete shock,” he stated, expressing his disbelief at the ruling. Since that test result, he has not played a competitive match.
During his time away from the pitch, he’s been training with a private coach, determined to maintain his fitness and readiness for when he can return. Chelsea FC has opted not to comment on this ongoing case, leaving fans and analysts speculating about its impact on the team.
Key events leading up to the appeal:
- Mudryk was provisionally suspended in December 2024 after failing a drugs test.
- He was charged in June 2025 with a four-year ban imposed by the FA.
- The appeal was submitted on February 25, 2026.
While Mudryk continues to assert his innocence — claiming he has never knowingly broken any rules — the FA has not disclosed specific details regarding his case or the evidence against him. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed receipt of his appeal but no timeline for a decision has been shared yet.
The outcome of this case could drastically alter Mudryk’s career trajectory and Chelsea’s plans moving forward. If unsuccessful, he faces an extended absence from professional football until December 2028.
You may also like
