Mudryk’s Ongoing Battle with Doping Ban and Future Prospects

Mykhailo Mudryk has faced significant challenges, remaining sidelined for almost two years due to an indefinite ban related to doping rule violations.

Upon receiving notification that a sample he provided to The FA tested positive for a banned substance, Mudryk expressed his shock, stating: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have occurred. I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will provide updates as soon as I can.”

Despite ongoing efforts to resolve this matter, little progress has been made. The ban has prevented Mudryk from training with his teammates, leading him to maintain a low profile. In September, he also received a six-month driving ban due to repeated offenses.

Mudryk’s former club, Shakhtar Donetsk, has publicly supported him. Sporting director Darijo Srna stated, “When we speak about Mudryk, we don’t think about the money; we speak about the human being. We feel deep sympathy for him. We know he is 100 percent innocent—he will prove that. We support him as an ex-player, a human being, and a friend. The financial aspect is not our priority.”

Since Mudryk’s signing with Chelsea, the managerial landscape has changed, with Graham Potter followed by Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and most recently, Liam Rosenior taking charge in January. When asked if he has communicated with Mudryk, Rosenior noted, “Not yet. It’s something I want to do, but there are many other priorities. He’s a magnificent player who has faced a challenging time. When the moment is right for me, him, and the club, I will have that conversation.”

Rosenior emphasized that discussions will take place when it is appropriate for both Mudryk and the club to foster a positive impact on his career.

Mudryk was notably a target for Arsenal, Chelsea’s London rivals, before the Blues secured his transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial fee of £62 million, potentially rising to £89 million with add-ons. During his first half-season, Mudryk made 17 appearances, providing two assists but not scoring. His first goal came in the following full season, where he netted seven times, alongside three goals and four assists—primarily in the Conference League—before his season was abruptly halted by the ban.

The 2024-25 season concluded for Mudryk in November, and he has not participated in competitive play since. He remains hopeful for a reduced penalty if found guilty, akin to Paul Pogba’s case, where an initially harsh sanction was lessened on appeal. However, as of now, Mudryk has not received a permanent ban, leaving ample time for the resolution of this unfortunate situation.

In the meantime, Chelsea prepares to face Crystal Palace in a London derby in the Premier League this Sunday.