FA Slams 4 Years Ban On Chelsea’s Mudryk, Winger Appeals To CAS

The Football Association (FA) has issued Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk with a four-year ban for an anti-doping violation, the most severe penalty available under its regulations.

However, the 25-year-old Ukrainian has immediately launched an appeal against the decision, taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This development marks a critical juncture in a saga that has sidelined the Ukrainian international for nearly 18 months. His case originated from an “adverse finding in a routine urine test,” which led to his provisional suspension in December 2024.

The FA later charged Mudryk in June 2025. Reports indicate the banned substance in question is meldonium, a cardiovascular medication known to increase respiratory capacity and stamina. This is the same drug for which tennis star Maria Sharapova received a two-year ban in 2016.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, CAS confirmed it received Mudryk’s appeal against the FA on February 25, 2026. The governing body stated that the parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing has yet to be scheduled. The process remains ongoing with no clear timeline for a final verdict.

In his only public statement following the provisional suspension, Mudryk described experiencing “complete shock” and asserted he had “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”. To maintain his fitness, he has been training at non-league club Uxbridge FC.

The ban, if upheld, would be a major blow to the player who joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a fee of up to £89 million. Mudryk, who has made 73 appearances for the Blues, is being represented by Morgan Sports Law, the firm that successfully worked with Paul Pogba to have his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months.

Should his appeal fail, his four-year suspension is expected to include the time he has already served.