‘Mudryk faces huge pay cut on redone Chelsea deal if ban upheld’
Chelsea could keep Mykhailo Mudryk on a vastly-reduced new contract if the FA find him guilty of doping offences.
Victory in the Conference League and qualification for the Champions League means Enzo Maresca will consider his first season as manager at Stamford Bridge a successful one.
Even so, the situation around the Ukraine international has been one problem that he has had to negotiate.
Back in December, Mudryk was provisionally banned after an adverse finding in a drugs test, with a sample believed to contain the performance-enhancing substance meldonium.
Mykhailo Mudryk facing pay blow after new developments
Earlier this week, it emerged that the FA have now charged the Chelsea winger with doping offences, following analysis of a B-sample from the offending test.
As a result, the 24-year-old is now facing a ban from football of up to four years, although his contract at Stamford Bridge is set to run for another six years.
Chelsea could sack Mudryk if he is found guilty, although another option could be to keep him at the club on reduced wages.
According to an update from The Athletic, Dan Chapman, a partner and head of employment and sports law at Leathes Prior, has suggested thatthe Blues could retain the winger, since his age and contract situation mean he could still play for the club when his suspension is over.
In that situation, the Stamford Bridge outfit may then look to renegotiate his contract to reduce his wage while he is banned and is unable to contribute in return for what they pay him.
Mudryk though would have to agree to those terms with Chelsea, and it is noted that he could alternatively take his chances as a free agent.
Chelsea reducing wages a sensible move
Football Insider Verdict
While Mudryk has always maintained his has not done anything wrong when it comes to this positive drugs test, while he has so far maintained the support of his club.
As a result, Chelsea may not want to fully change that stance by sacking him if he is found guilty, given the concern that could generate among other playing assets, both present and future.
However, they will not want to keep paying him as much as they have been, when they are not going to get a return on their investment in him on the pitch.
With that in mind, keeping the winger on while reducing his wages may be seen as something of a happy medium at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, Chelsea have already altered Mudryk’s contract since his positive test, so they may not be against doing so again here.
It would also give the player some financial security while he is suspended, and ensure he does not need to worry about finding a new club once his ban comes to an end, so this could be best for all concerned.