Chelsea have issued an official statement this afternoon regarding their £89m signing, Mykhailo Mudryk, after shocking reports confirmed he has failed a drug test and is now facing suspension. 😢
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine doping test, just days ahead of the club’s crucial weekend fixture against Everton. The Football Association (FA) contacted the Ukrainian international following the detection of an adverse result in a urine sample he provided as part of standard testing procedures.
In response to the news, Chelsea released an official statement confirming the development. The club emphasized their commitment to anti-doping regulations, stating, “Both Chelsea and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s rigorous testing programme. All of our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly subjected to these tests to ensure compliance with the sport’s anti-doping guidelines.”
The club further addressed Mudryk’s stance, noting, “Mykhailo has unequivocally asserted that he has never knowingly consumed any prohibited substances. Both Chelsea and Mykhailo will now work closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause behind this unexpected result. We will refrain from making further comments while the process is ongoing.”
Mudryk, who made a high-profile move to Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a reported fee of £89 million, also took to social media to share his personal reaction. In his statement, he expressed shock and confusion regarding the situation: “I can confirm that I have been informed by The FA that a sample I provided contained a banned substance. This news has come as a complete surprise to me, as I have NEVER knowingly taken any illegal substances or broken any rules.”
Mudryk further reassured fans that he is actively working to uncover how this situation arose, stating, “I am cooperating closely with my team to determine how this result occurred. I am confident that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I can return to playing football as soon as possible. Due to the confidential nature of the ongoing investigation, I cannot share more details at this moment but will provide updates as soon as I am able.”
The incident comes at a pivotal time for Chelsea, who have been performing well in recent weeks under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca. Mudryk last appeared for the club on November 28, contributing a goal in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League. Since that match, Chelsea have maintained strong momentum in the Premier League, reducing the points gap between themselves and current league leaders Liverpool to just two points.
As the investigation unfolds, Chelsea fans and the football community at large will be closely monitoring developments surrounding Mudryk’s suspension and its potential impact on both the player’s career and the club’s ongoing season.
