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Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being hit with a maximum four-year ban for a doping offence.
The Ukraine international has been out of action for almost 18 months following a negative finding in a routine test, a situation that sent shockwaves through Stamford Bridge.
The maximum penalty imposed by the FA
The Football Association handed Mudryk a four-year suspension, the maximum penalty available, following a lengthy investigation into a failed drugs test.
The 25-year-old was initially sidelined in December 2024 after an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” led to a temporary suspension, and he was officially charged in June 2025.
While the FA has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case throughout the process, the severity of the sanction has now been confirmed.
Under the current rules, the ban is expected to be backdated to the start of his temporary absence, which would effectively prevent the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger from returning to professional football until December 2028.
Mudryk takes the fight to CAS
In an attempt to save his career, Mudryk has taken his case to the highest legal authority in sports.
A spokesman for CAS spoke BBC Sports to confirm receipt of the appeal stating: “CAS confirms that it has received an appeal from Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026. The parties are currently exchanging written submissions and a hearing has not yet been scheduled.”
The controversy is believed to center around meldonium, a cardiovascular medication that can help with breathing capacity and endurance.
Mudryk reportedly 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 action as early as next season.
Maintaining innocence and training in exile
Throughout the ordeal, Mudryk has maintained that he is not a conscious doper.
In his only public statement since the suspension began, the winger expressed his disbelief at the situation. At the time, he said he was in “complete 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 initially paid €70m (£61m) to bring the player to London in January 2023, have chosen not to release a formal comment while the legal process continues.
The club are reportedly awaiting the final ruling from CAS before deciding on their next steps regarding the player’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The FA has also declined to comment on the ongoing case.
As Mudryk enters this critical legal battle, the eyes of the footballing 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.
