Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association after failing a drugs test for the banned substance meldonium. The positive result was obtained during a trip abroad when Mudryk was not on Chelsea duty. According to FA rules, Mudryk will be informed of the positive test and given an opportunity to provide an explanation before a formal charge is made.
Mudryk believes his sample was contaminated and has passed regular UK Anti-Doping tests in the past. The player claims he “has never knowingly used any banned substances” and insists on being cleared of the charges. Chelsea have launched their own investigation into the matter, offering support to Mudryk through access to mental health professionals if required.
The FA’s strict liability offence rules state that players are responsible for what is in their body, regardless of how it was obtained. Mudryk faces a potential ban of up to four years under FA regulations. The Ukraine international has not been training at Chelsea’s Cobham facility and is on an individual fitness programme at home.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca had previously attributed Mudryk’s absence from the team due to illness, but it appears this was a misdiagnosis. Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol notes that while the ‘A’ sample has tested positive, the outcome of the ‘B’ sample is yet to be determined. Anti-doping breaches are considered strict liability offences, with no leniency for players who have unknowingly ingested banned substances.
Source: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/13275335/mykhailo-mudryk-chelsea-confirm-fa-has-contacted-forward-over-adverse-urine-sample