FA Hits Mudryk With Four-Year Ban as Chelsea Star Seeks CAS Intervention
Mykhailo Mudryk has formally challenged his four-year suspension by taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, following a doping sanction imposed by the Football Association. The Chelsea winger has already spent close to 18 months on the sidelines after returning an adverse result in a routine test.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk appeals a four-year FA doping ban at CAS after 18 months out, as the case centers on meldonium and future uncertainty grows.
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The FA confirmed the maximum punishment after concluding a prolonged investigation into the failed sample. The 25-year-old was first provisionally suspended in December 2024 due to irregular findings in a urine test, before being officially charged in June 2025.
Although specific details have not been disclosed, the ruling means the ban is likely to be applied retroactively. If unchanged, it would keep the former Shakhtar Donetsk attacker out of professional football until December 2028.
Mudryk has now escalated the matter by lodging an appeal with CAS. A spokesperson confirmed to BBC Sport that the appeal was submitted on 25 February 2026, with both sides currently exchanging written arguments. A hearing date has not yet been set.
The case reportedly revolves around meldonium, a substance known to enhance stamina and breathing efficiency. It is believed the player may have encountered it while representing Ukraine in October 2024. Those close to the winger are hopeful the appeal could lead to a reduced sanction, potentially allowing a return sooner than expected.
Throughout the process, Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing. In his only statement since the suspension, he said he was in “complete shock” and insisted he had never knowingly taken banned substances or violated regulations.
While unable to feature for Chelsea since a European clash with Heidenheim in November 2024, the winger has continued working on his fitness. He has been training with Uxbridge FC alongside a private coach and hired goalkeepers to maintain sharpness.
To handle his legal fight, Mudryk has turned to Morgan Sports Law, a firm recognized for representing figures such as Paul Pogba, Tyson Fury, and Chris Froome in high-profile cases.
Chelsea, who invested heavily to sign him in January 2023, have not issued a statement as proceedings continue. The club is expected to wait for the CAS verdict before determining his future at Stamford Bridge.
The FA has also refrained from commenting further. With the appeal underway, attention now shifts to Switzerland, where the final decision could define whether Mudryk resumes his career or faces a prolonged absence from top-level football.
