According to a Yahoo Sports report, Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk could face a ban from football for four years for a positive test for meldonium, a banned substance, after a positive test for meldonium, a banned substance. The 24-year-old Ukrainian is exploring an unexpected career change to track and field with aspirations of representing Ukraine as a sprinter at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Doping Saga Unfolds
Mudryk’s issue began when he received a positive test while on international duty with Ukraine in November of 2024. The FA provisionally suspended him at the time, and they formally charged him with anti-doping violations in June of 2025. While Mudryk has claimed that he never knowingly took the banned substance, Chelsea are backing him fully, but if the B-sample is verified, it could seriously jeopardize his career at Chelsea.
This unfortunate news broke as Mudryk was beginning to hit his straps. Following a lukewarm introduction to Chelsea after his £89m move from Shakhtar in 2023, he scored seven goals in 41 appearances last season. Now, his blistering pace (he recorded a top speed of 36 km/h on debut) is pegged to fuel his aspirations for the Olympics, as mentioned by Marca.
Sprinting to a New Future
Mudryk has been training with Ukrainian Olympians in Kyiv. He has to meet World Athletics standards and pass the 2027 trials if he wants to compete. He’s naturally fast, which suits sprinting. Yet, athletics has stricter doping rules, which could be a problem. Still, with his football career on hold, this switch gives him a chance.
This situation really shows what Chelsea’s youth system can do. They signed Mudryk when he was young, but a ban might force them to sell him, or something worse could happen. Fans remember how good he could be, but all of this makes things unclear for Stamford Bridge’s rebuilding plans.
For context, earlier allegations rocked Chelsea, leading to his suspension. Last year’s reports correlatively hinted at the storm brewing.
Mudryk’s resolve inspires. Yet, a ban would sting for an £89m talent under contract until 2031.
Author’s Note: A Speedy Pivot
Mudryk’s facing doping accusations that could hurt his reputation as a player, but his drive to compete shows real determination. Chelsea needs to handle this carefully. Success at the Olympics could reshape his career’s narrative. Right now, many questions surround him.
