Mudrik appeals four-year disqualification to CAS

12:52 / 30.04.2026·158·Sport

In brief

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has filed an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being handed a four-year ban for violating doping regulations. The 25-year-old has not played for nearly 18 months since testing positive in a routine test, with the English Football Association (FA) imposing the maximum penalty following extensive investigations. The ban, which began in December 2024, prevents Mudryk from returning to professional football until December 2028. He has expressed surprise at the situation, claiming he never intentionally used banned substances, and is currently training with a private coach while seeking legal representation.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has filed an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a four-year ban for violating anti-doping regulations. The Ukraine national team member has not appeared on the pitch for nearly 18 months since testing positive during a routine test. Goal.com reports on this.

Following a lengthy investigation, the English Football Association (FA) imposed the maximum penalty—a four-year disqualification—on Mudryk. The 25-year-old footballer was provisionally suspended in December 2024, and official charges were announced against him in June 2025.

Under current regulations, the ban period is calculated from the date of his provisional suspension. This makes it impossible for the former Shakhtar winger to return to professional football until December 2028.

A representative of CAS confirmed to BBC Sport that an appeal was received from Mudryk on February 25, 2026.

The issue involves the substance meldonium, which can enhance respiratory capacity and endurance. According to reports, Mudryk came into contact with this substance in October 2024 during a training camp with the Ukraine national team.

In his only public statement, the footballer emphasized that he was shocked by the situation and had never intentionally used prohibited substances.

Mudryk is currently continuing his training with a private coach. To protect his rights, he has signed with the law firm Morgan Sports Law, which has been involved in the cases of athletes such as Paul Pogba and Tyson Fury.

Chelsea Football Club and the FA have so far declined to provide official comments on the situation.