Chelsea’s “Golden Boy” Suspended in Shocking Doping Scandal

Mykhailo Mudryk’s Chelsea nightmare just got worse after he was suspended for a doping investigation.

December 17, 2024
7:33 pm

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been temporarily suspended by the Football Association (FA) after a positive drugs test, causing quite a stir at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old hasn’t played since November 28, with initial reasons pointing to illness, but it turns out he’s at the heart of a doping investigation.

The Positive Test and Suspension

Mudryk’s test reportedly showed meldonium, a drug banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) but not available in the UK. He passed a test back in August, and his team thinks the contamination might have happened outside the country. FA rules say he has to be provisionally suspended while they look into it.

Now, Mudryk is waiting for the results of his ‘B’ sample to see if the first test holds up. If it does, he could face a big ban, which would be a tough hit for his career and Chelsea’s plans.

Don’t miss out—click below for awesome odds and special bonuses!

Chelsea and Mudryk’s Response

Chelsea put out a statement backing Mudryk and the FA’s testing rules, stressing that he has “never knowingly used any banned substances.”

Mudryk shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying, “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances. I know I have done nothing wrong and remain hopeful to return to the pitch soon.”

Timeline of Events

Mudryk last played in Chelsea’s 2-0 Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim, where he scored. Since then, manager Enzo Maresca called him “ill,” but now it’s clear his absence is due to the doping investigation.

The Ukrainian winger has also missed domestic matches against Aston Villa, Southampton, Tottenham, and Brentford. Reports say he hasn’t been training at Cobham during this time.

A Setback in a Difficult Season

Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for £88 million after a dramatic transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, has had a tough time securing a spot in the starting lineup. While his domestic performances have been hit or miss, he’s shone in Europe, scoring three goals in three games this season.

This suspension adds to a rough patch for the winger, whose potential hasn’t fully shown on the pitch for the Blues yet.

What’s Next?

The FA will wait for the ‘B’ sample results before deciding whether to formally charge Mudryk. If the findings are confirmed, he could face a hefty ban. Meanwhile, Chelsea has to gear up for their next Europa Conference League match against Shamrock Rovers without their £88 million signing.

As the investigation rolls on, questions remain about where the positive test came from and what it means for both Mudryk’s career and Chelsea’s season.