“Chelsea Winger Mykhailo Mudryk Tests Positive for Banned Substance”
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday that winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. The “adverse finding,” detected during a routine urine test, reportedly showed traces of meldonium, a drug prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Meldonium, a drug commonly used to treat heart conditions, is known to enhance endurance and aid in recovery. Due to its performance-enhancing effects, it is banned for athletes year-round.
Mykhailo Mudryk, 22, has denied any intentional wrongdoing. In a statement, he expressed, “I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
The test reportedly took place after Mykhailo Mudryk returned from national team duty in November.
Meldonium, which is not approved for use in the United States, is prescribed in some Eastern European countries.
Chelsea has expressed its support for the player, emphasizing that Mudryk has categorically denied knowingly taking any banned substances. The club is now working with authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the test result.
Mudryk’s case adds to a series of high-profile incidents involving meldonium since it was added to WADA’s banned list in 2016.
If found guilty of doping, Mudryk could face a suspension, which would significantly impact Chelsea’s Premier League and European campaigns.
The investigation is ongoing, and both the club and the player are awaiting further clarity on the situation.
