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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after receiving a maximum four-year ban for a doping offence.
The Ukraine international has been out of action for almost 18 months following an adverse result in a routine test, a situation that shocked Stamford Bridge.
The maximum penalty imposed by the FA
The Football Association handed Mudryk a four-year ban, the maximum penalty available, following a lengthy investigation into a positive doping test.
The 25-year-old was initially sidelined in December 2024 after an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” led to a provisional suspension, and was officially charged in June 2025.
While the FA remained tight-lipped about the specific details of the case throughout the process, the severity of the sanction has now been confirmed.
Under current rules, the ban is expected to be retroactive to the start of his provisional absence, effectively preventing the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger from returning to professional football until December 2028.
Mudryk takes the fight to TAS
In an attempt to save his career, Mudryk has taken his case to the sport’s highest legal authority.
A CAS spokesperson spoke with BBC sport to confirm receipt of the appeal, stating: “CAS confirms that it has received an appeal from Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, lodged on 25 February 2026. The parties are exchanging written submissions and a hearing has not yet been scheduled.”
The controversy is understood to center on meldonium, a cardiovascular drug that can improve respiratory capacity and stamina.
Mudryk reportedly came into contact with the substance while on an international mission with Ukraine in October 2024.
Sources close to the player remain optimistic that the appeal could significantly reduce his ban, potentially allowing him to return to the field next season.
Maintain innocence and train in exile
Throughout the entire ordeal, Mudryk has maintained that he did not intentionally take drugs.
In his only public statement since the suspension began, the winger expressed his disbelief at the situation. At the time, he said he was “completely shocked” and added that he had “never knowingly used any banned substance or broken any rules.”
Despite not being able to play for Chelsea since a Conference League clash against Heidenheim in November 2024, Mudryk is determined to stay sharp.
Chelsea and FA remain silent
Chelsea, who paid an initial €70m (£61m) to bring the player to London in January 2023, have opted not to publish any formal comment while the legal process continues.
The club are reportedly awaiting the final CAS verdict before deciding their next steps regarding the player’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The FA also declined to comment on the ongoing case.
As Mudryk enters this critical legal battle, the eyes of the football world will be on Switzerland to see if one of the Premier League’s most expensive signings can clear his name or if his time at the top level is effectively over.
