Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged by the FA for violating anti-doping rules after testing positive for a banned substance, meldonium

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]helsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially been charged by the Football Association for violating anti-doping regulations after testing positive for a banned substance in late 2023.

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The Ukrainian international, who last featured for Chelsea on November 28, has been under provisional suspension since December following what was described as an “adverse finding” in a routine urine test.

The FA confirmed on Wednesday that the 24-year-old has been charged for breaching regulations three and four of its anti-doping rules, which pertain to the presence and use of prohibited substances.

While the governing body declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case, reports indicate that meldonium—a substance banned for its performance-enhancing effects—was found in his sample.

Mudryk reacted to the initial suspension with disbelief, stating that he was in “complete shock” and insisted that he “never knowingly used any banned substances.”

Despite his denial, he could face a ban of up to four years under current anti-doping regulations.

Chelsea have been conducting their own internal investigation since the incident and had awaited the results of a secondary ‘B’ sample test to confirm or overturn the initial findings.

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in a high-profile January 2023 transfer, has had a turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge, and the doping charge now threatens to derail his career further.

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As the case develops, the FA, the club, and the player remain tight-lipped, with more details expected following the completion of the disciplinary process.