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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being handed a maximum four-year ban for doping violations.
The Ukraine international has been out of action for almost 18 months following an abnormal result in a routine test, a situation which sent shockwaves through Stamford Bridge.
The maximum penalty imposed by the FA
The Football Association handed Mudryk a four-year ban, the maximum sentence available, following a lengthy investigation into a failed doping test.
The 25-year-old was initially sidelined in December 2024 after an “abnormal result during a routine urine test” led to an interim suspension, and he was formally charged in June 2025.
Although the FA has 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 would have to be backdated to the start of his provisional absence, which would effectively prevent the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger from returning to professional football until December 2028.
Mudryk fights before the CAS
In a bid to save his career, Mudryk took his case to sport’s highest judicial authority.
A CAS spokesperson spoke to BBC Sport to confirm receipt of the appeal, stating: “CAS confirms having received an appeal from Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on February 25, 2026. The parties are currently exchanging written submissions and a hearing has not yet been scheduled.”
The controversy reportedly centers around meldonium, a cardiovascular drug that can improve breathing capacity and endurance.
It is reported that Mudryk came into contact with the substance while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.
Sources close to the player remain optimistic that the appeal could see his ban significantly reduced, potentially allowing him to return to the field as early as next season.
Maintaining Innocence and Training in Exile
Throughout the ordeal, Mudryk maintained that he was not an intentional dope.
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 in shock” and added that he had “never knowingly used any banned substances 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 the FA remain silent
Chelsea, who paid an initial fee of €70m (£61m) to bring the player to London in January 2023, have chosen not to issue a formal comment while legal proceedings continue.
The club are reportedly awaiting the final CAS verdict before deciding on the next steps regarding the player’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The FA also declined to comment on the ongoing matter.
As Mudryk enters this crucial legal battle, the eyes of the footballing world will be on Switzerland to see whether one of the Premier League’s most expensive signings can clear his name or whether his time at the top level is indeed over.
