Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the FA after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine urine test.
The Ukraine international, who denies knowingly taking any prohibited substances, expressed his disbelief, stating on Instagram: “This has come as a complete shock… I know that I have not done anything wrong.”
The club confirmed they are working to determine the cause of the failed test, while Mudryk collaborates with his team to investigate the situation.
Under FA guidelines, players can face provisional suspension following a positive drugs test, with intentional violations carrying potential bans of up to four years under FIFA rules.
Mudryk has missed Chelsea’s last five matches, with his absence previously attributed to illness by head coach Enzo Maresca.
The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a deal worth up to £89 million, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for the club.
The Professional Footballers’ Association is expected to provide support to the player as he navigates the investigation. The FA has declined to comment further on the case, leaving the timeline for Mudryk’s return to football uncertain.