Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a four-year doping ban imposed by the Football Association, hoping to return to football sooner than the expected December 2028 eligibility date.
Mudryk has been sidelined for nearly 18 months following an adverse finding in a routine urine test. He was provisionally suspended in December 2024 after failing a drug test while on international duty. The FA charged him in June 2025, handing him the maximum four-year ban.
The appeal was submitted on February 25, 2026. Mudryk tested positive for the prohibited substance meldonium. He joined Chelsea FC for an initial fee of £88 million from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. Since then, he has not played a competitive match.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, he would not be eligible for selection until December 2028. Mudryk maintains his innocence, stating he has “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.” He has been training with a private coach during his suspension.
Chelsea FC has declined to comment on the ongoing case. The FA has not disclosed details of the case and has refused to comment further.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed it received Mudryk’s appeal. His situation highlights challenges athletes face under strict FA regulations regarding doping.
Mudryk described his “complete shock” at the positive test result. The outcome of his appeal could significantly impact his career moving forward.
