Former Arsenal target and Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a four-year doping ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport have confirmed.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea FC at Vitality Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
The BBC report that Mykhailo Mudryk was issued a four-year ban by the Football Association in January, but only a small group of people around the player were informed.
The FA’s anti-doping programme is confidential, so the outcome only became public knowledge when Mudryk appealed against the result to CAS.
The BBC add that they understand the substance that Mudryk tested positive for was the cardiovascular medication meldonium, which has the potential to increase respiratory capcity and stamina.
Mudryk apparently came into contact with the substance on international duty with Ukraine, though Ukranian FA spokespeople have denied any involvement from their staff.
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Mykhaylo Mudryk of Chelsea looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Chelsea FC and FC Noah at Stamford Bridge on November 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
If the ban is upheld by CAS, Mudryk would be banned until the end of 2028, as his provisional suspension began in December 2024. But the BBC report that sources close to the player believe the ban will be reduced and he’ll be back in action next season.
Chelsea still have Mudryk under contract until 2031, but they’ll be able to terminate it for breach of his employment terms once the CAS process ends.
Chelsea would also have the option to sell Mudryk or reintegrate him, depending on what they decide they want to do. The player remains in London, but he’s not allowed to train with Chelsea at this stage, so he’s training privately.
Given Mudryk’s appeal was lodged in February, and past CAS doping appeal cases like Paul Pogba’s have taken around six months to reach a final decision, it’s unlikely there will be significant further developments until this autumn.
ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 24: Mykhailo Mudryk of Chelsea celebrates a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Panathinaikos FC and Chelsea FC at Olympic Athletic Center of Athens Spyridon Louis or OAKA on October 24, 2024 in Athens, Greece. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)
Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images
Arsenal had pushed to sign Mudryk in 2023, before his eventual move to Chelsea. The player then made 73 appearances for the Blues, scoring 10 goals and assisting a further nine.
The 23-year-old was yet to get off the mark for Chelsea in seven Premier League matches in 2024/25, his most recent active season with the club.
But he had eight goals and assists in eight games between the Conference League, Conference League qualifiers, and the League Cup, so he was still contributing.
Chelsea fans will now await the result of Mudryk’s appeal, whilst Arsenal fans will likely view that 2023 transfer saga as a bullet dodged.
Former Arsenal target Mudryk appeals 4-year ban
Former Arsenal target and Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a four-year doping ban, the Court of Arbitration for Sport have confirmed.
Santi Cazorla admits he’s made retirement decision
Santi Cazorla has revealed that he’s made a decision on a possible retirement this summer, but he’s not going to announce it yet.
Arsenal interested in Bournemouth striker this summer
Arsenal are interested in Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, though the player’s current club are likely to demand a significant fee to sell this summer.
Mikel Arteta responds to Ethan Nwaneri loan criticism
Mikel Arteta has called on Ethan Nwaneri to show a response to recent criticism from loan manager Habib Beye, suggesting it could be a good thing for the player’s career.
Arsenal to bid farewell to Per Mertesacker ahead of Fulham clash
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker is set to receive a send-off in front of the fans ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Fulham.
Related Topics