Mykhailo Mudryk could escape four-year ban as new claim emerges
Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk could potentially escape a four-year ban after a new claim has emerged.
Mudryk was suspended by the FA last December following an “adverse finding” in a urine test.
The Ukraine international said in a statement the news came as a “complete shock” and insisted he has “not done anything wrong”.
However, Mudryk was charged by the FA with violating its anti-doping rules in June and could face a four-year ban.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was handed a four-year doping ban last year before his suspension was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
Mykhailo Mudryk details emerge after journalist’s reveal
Ukrainian journalist Igor Burbas (via Fabrizio Romano) has now provided new details into Mudryk’s doping situation.
“Mudryk received a stem cell injection from the Ukrainian Nt physio to aid recovery after the player reported experiencing discomfort and not being able to play at a full capacity,” said Burbas.
“It is reported that the stem cells were derived from a cow that may have been exposed to the banned substance meldonium”.
It remains unclear what penalty Mudryk could face, but if Burbas’s claim is true, perhaps the winger’s potential ban could be less than four years.
Chelsea signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk on an eight-and-a-half-year contract in January 2023, with the deal worth an initial £62million and potentially rising to £89million in add-ons.
The 24-year-old, who hasn’t played for Enzo Maresca’s side since last November, has registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 73 appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could sue Mudryk after £50m reveal
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Chelsea could sue Mudryk as their losses may exceed £50m if he’s found guilty of a doping offence.
It isn’t the first time the Blues have found themselves in this position after Adrian Mutu tested positive for cocaine during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea sacked their former striker in 2004 after he received a seven-month ban before later moving to recover the £15.8m fee they paid to sign him from Parma in 2003.
Mutu was ordered to pay the London giants €17m (£14.7m) compensation in 2010 following a lengthy legal battle.
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