Chelsea attacker Mykhailo Mudryk has made a rare and emotional public appeal to supporters, urging them not to lose faith in him as he endures a career in limbo. The Ukrainian international has now been absent from football for over 400 days while awaiting the outcome of a doping investigation.
A year in exile and a plea for patience
Mykhailo Mudryk has not played a single minute for Chelsea since a Europa Conference League match against Heidenheim 1846 on November 28, 2024. His world was turned upside down the following month when he received a provisional suspension following a positive test for a banned substance.
In a heartfelt New Year's message posted on social media, the 24-year-old broke his long silence. "Happy New year to all my fans," Mudryk wrote. "I just wanted to say thank you for your support. I see all your messages and truly appreciate them, so please don't give up on me as I not give up on myself. Can't wait to see you soon."
The ongoing doping case and potential four-year ban
The winger, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal that could rise to £89 million in 2023, acknowledged the positive test in December 2024. He stated at the time it was a "complete shock" and insisted he had never knowingly used any banned substances.
Mudryk was officially charged by the Football Association in June 2025 and has continued to deny any wrongdoing. The stakes are incredibly high; if the doping charge is proven, he faces a potential ban from all football for up to four years.
The process now rests in the hands of the sport's governing bodies. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Witold Banka indicated in November that they were awaiting the disciplinary decision from the English Football Association. Once that is delivered, WADA will review the documentation and retain the right to appeal if they deem the punishment either too lenient or too severe.
Career on hold as Chelsea moves on
Mudryk's enforced absence has spanned a significant period in Chelsea's recent history. During his 400-plus days out of the game, the club has secured both the Club World Cup and the Europa Conference League trophy. His last appearance for the Blues was his 73rd in all competitions, 53 of which came in the Premier League.
The situation leaves the future of one of Chelsea's most expensive signings in grave doubt. Fans and the club alike now face an anxious wait for the FA's verdict, which will ultimately determine whether the speedy winger has a future at Stamford Bridge or if his career faces a lengthy, possibly terminal, interruption.
