Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after receiving a reported four-year playing ban from the Football Association (FA) for the use of a banned substance. The Ukrainian international has not played a competitive match since November 2024 after failing a drug test while on international duty with Ukraine, leading to a provisional suspension.
Under the terms of a four-year ban, Mudryk would not be eligible for selection again until December 2028. However, if his appeal to CAS is successful, the 25-year-old could potentially return to the pitch next year. It is understood that the appeal was submitted in February 2025, and CAS confirmed receipt in a statement released on Wednesday. The statement read: 'CAS confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA. The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.'
Details of the Case
Details of the case have been kept confidential, with the FA refusing to comment throughout the disciplinary process. However, reports indicate that Mudryk received the maximum possible suspension after traces of meldonium were found in his system. Meldonium is a drug that can improve an individual's stamina and is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Under regulation 77 of the FA's anti-doping policy, a four-year ban is imposed if the violation involves a non-specified substance, unless it can be proven that the violation was not intentional, or a specified substance where the FA can establish intentionality. In a statement issued at the time of his suspension, Mudryk said the positive sample came as 'a complete shock' and that he had 'not done anything wrong'. Chelsea added that the player had 'never knowingly used any banned substances'.
Mudryk's Career at Chelsea
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a potential £89 million move. He has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions but struggled to secure a regular starting spot before his provisional suspension. Chelsea declined to comment on the news, stating they must let the process take its course. The FA also said they would not comment on ongoing proceedings.
