The 23-year-old confirms positive test but denies 'knowingly' using banned substances after being left out of Chelsea's recent matchday squads
Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test and could face a lengthy ban from football.
In a statement, the Chelsea winger said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
“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 as soon as I can.”
Media outlets UA Footballand Tribuna, both based in Mudryk’s native Ukraine, first reported that the 23-year-old provided a positive result with an “A” sample in October.
Mudryk has not been in the Blues’ last four matchday squads and last started a game on 28 November.
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test,” a Chelsea spokesperson said.
“Both the club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.
“Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.
“The cub will not be commenting any further.”
Chelsea and the player are now awaiting the results of a further “B” sample, which will help to confirm the original test for an unspecified substance if it is positive.
Mudryk signed for Chelsea in 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth £62m, potentially rising to £88.5m. He is on an eight-and-a-half year contract.
Earlier this year former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba received a four-month ban for doping, later reduced to 18 months. His Juventus contract was terminated.
More to follow.