Ukrainian Football star Mikhail Mudryk, a striker for British Chelsea and a key player of the Ukrainian national team, has tested positive in a doping control test, Ukrainian media reported on Tuesday, citing sources. Reports claimed that the winger had tested positive for a substance known as midronate following his commitment to the Ukrainian side in the UEFA Nations League in November.
The substance is an anti-ischemic drug, typically used to treat patients with heart disease, but can also be used to improve endurance and recovery from exercise. It was banned by the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) in January 2016 and has since been banned from use by athletes at all times, both in and out of competition.
Chelsea confirmed they had been contacted by the English Football Association (FA) regarding the matter “a negative result” in Mudryk’s urine test in a statement Tuesday. The club said the athlete “has categorically confirmed that he has never knowingly used any prohibited substance” and committed to “collaborate with the competent authorities” to determine what caused the outcome.
Mudryk has missed Chelsea’s last five Premier League games and has not played since November 28, with manager Enzo Maresca attributing his absence to illness. In a statement on Instagram, the 23-year-old denied any wrongdoing and said he was “surprised” for the news.
“This was a total surprise, as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or violated any rules… I know I have done nothing wrong and I hope to be back on the field soon.” he said, adding that he will work with his team to investigate the findings.
Chelsea have reportedly launched an investigation into the results while Mudryk awaits the result of a second urine sample. Under UK rules, the athlete faces a ban of up to four years if the second sample tests positive, meaning the athlete could be excluded from the Ukrainian team at the 2026 World Cup. However, sources told The Athletic that there are suspicions of foul play related to Mudryk’s test, which is currently under investigation.
Mudryk moved to Chelsea in January 2023 from Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk for a staggering transfer fee of 70 million euros ($73 million), the sixth-highest fee paid by the club for a player at the time.
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The Chelsea manager will speak to reporters ahead of their next Conference League match on Wednesday, and is then expected to provide more details on Mudryk’s doping case. According to FA policy, Mudryk will be temporarily suspended from matches until the investigation produces results.
