Mykhailo Mudryk has been temporarily suspended following a positive drug test, prompting swift action from Chelsea and the FA.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football following notification from the FA of a positive drugs test, according to a report by the Daily Mail.

The 23-year-old has not played for Chelsea since their Europa Conference League match against Heidenheim on November 28, having been sidelined due to a suspected adverse analytical finding. The investigation reportedly focuses on a contaminated supplement, with suggestions that the substance involved may not be available in the UK, indicating potential contamination abroad.

The FA’s rules allow for a provisional suspension after a player is informed of a positive test result, during which the player can provide an explanation before further action is taken. The report also notes that Mudryk passed a test in August, and his behavior has reportedly remained consistent since then. Chelsea have launched their own investigation into the matter.

Mudryk addressed the situation via Instagram, stating:

“I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as 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. I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot say more but will provide updates when I can.”

The results of Mudryk’s ‘B’ sample, which could confirm or refute the findings of the initial test, are still pending.

Chelsea released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the FA’s notification and reaffirming their support for the player and the testing programme:

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test. Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding. The Club will not be commenting any further.”

Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for up to £89 million, signing an eight-and-a-half-y

ear contract.