Mudryk Refutes Misconduct Following Failed Drug Test

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has denied doing “anything wrong” after failing a drugs test. It was confirmed on Tuesday morning that the Football Association contacted the club regarding an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” for the 23-year-old. Mudryk has made 15 appearances for Chelsea this season. His last game was on 28 November, a 2-0 victory against German side Heidenheim in the Conference League. He played the full 90 minutes of that match, scoring Chelsea’s second goal—his third of the season—in the 86th minute. Since that date, Enzo Maresca’s side has played five more times, comprising four games in the Premier League and one additional match in the Conference League. The Blues head coach had publicly stated that Mudryk’s absence since 1 December was due to illness. In a statement posted on social media, the Ukraine international said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.” He added, “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.” Mudryk concluded, “I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”