Mykhailo Mudryk takes doping ban fight to CAS as Chelsea winger maintains innocence

CAS confirmed it received the appeal on February 25, with proceedings now underway. In a statement, the body said: "CAS confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA. The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled."

The sanction being challenged has not been officially detailed by CAS, but widespread reports indicate the Chelsea FC winger has been handed a four-year suspension following an adverse finding in a routine drugs test. Under FA anti-doping regulations, such a ban can apply where a violation is deemed intentional or involves certain prohibited substances.

Mudryk, 25, was provisionally suspended in December 2024 after returning a positive test for meldonium, a substance known to enhance endurance and recovery. He was formally charged in June 2025, having already been sidelined for months.

The Ukraine international has consistently denied wrongdoing. In a statement issued at the time of his suspension, he described the result as "a complete shock" and insisted he had "not done anything wrong." He has maintained that the positive sample may have been caused by contamination while on international duty in late 2024.

Chelsea backed the player's stance early in the process, stating he had "never knowingly used any banned substances," and the club has since allowed the legal process to run its course without further public comment.

If upheld, the ban would likely be backdated to the start of his provisional suspension, potentially ruling him out until late 2028. However, sources close to the player remain hopeful that a successful appeal could significantly reduce the sanction, opening the door for a return as early as next season.

Mudryk has not played competitively since November 28, 2024, when he scored in a 2-0 Conference League win over Heidenheim. He was last named in a matchday squad days later but did not feature.

Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a fee rising to around 88 million pounds, Mudryk has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for Chelsea but has struggled to secure a consistent starting role.

During his suspension, he has continued training away from the club's Cobham base, working with personal coaches to maintain fitness while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

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