Chelsea confirm Mykhailo Mudryk failed drugs test after 'adverse finding', player denies using banned substance
Updated 17/12/2024 at 11:16 GMT
Chelsea have confirmed that attacking midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test after there was an "adverse finding" in a routine urine sample. The club also said that they will be working with the relevant authorities to determine the next steps for the player, who moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2023.
Mykhaylo Mudryk (FC Chelsea)
Image credit: Getty Images
Chelsea have announced that Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test after there was an "adverse finding" in a routine urine sample.
The club said that they were contacted by the Football Association following the test result.
In a statement on their website, Chelsea said that the Ukraine international had not deliberately taken any banned substance.
The statement read: "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 club will not be commenting any further."
Mudryk posted his own statement on Instagram, saying: "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."
The 23-year-old has not featured for the club since November 28. He was part of the squad for Sunday’s win against Aston Villa, but did not play. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca had put his absence down to an illness.
A player who fails a drugs test can be banned for up to four years, and this will be seen as another blow to Mudryk, who has struggled to impress since his arrival in the Premier League.
Reportedly also wanted by Arsenal, he ultimately joined Chelsea for ÂŁ89 million in January 2023, and had not managed to establish himself as a first team regular.
He has 15 appearances for Chelsea so far this season, scoring three goals.
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