Mykhailo Mudryk: Chelsea Player Appeals Drugs Ban to Court of Arbitration for Sport Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has escalated his legal battle against a Football Association drugs ban by submitting an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The 25-year-old Ukraine international, who joined the Premier League club for an initial €70 million in January 2023, has not played a competitive match since November 2024. His absence stems from a provisional suspension imposed in December 2024 following an "adverse finding in a routine urine test." The Football Association charged Mudryk in June 2025, though details of the final ban—whether it is suspended or confirmed—remain undisclosed. The CAS confirmed on February 25, 2026, that it had received Mudryk’s appeal, with the parties currently exchanging written submissions. A hearing has not yet been scheduled. According to the BBC, Mudryk’s exposure to the cardiovascular medication meldonium occurred while he was on duty with the Ukraine national team in October 2024. Meldonium, which can enhance respiratory capacity and stamina, is a banned substance under anti-doping regulations. Mudryk, in a statement during his provisional suspension, expressed "complete shock" and denied ever knowingly using banned substances or breaking rules. Mudryk’s legal team, Morgan Sports Law, has represented high-profile clients in doping cases, including former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba during his Juventus investigation, boxer Tyson Fury, and cyclist Chris Froome. The firm is reportedly working to secure his return to football this year. To stay active, Mudryk has been training at non-league Uxbridge FC with a private coach, hiring goalkeepers to assist in his regimen.#chelsea_football_club #court_of_arbitration_for_sport #mykhailo_mudryk #morgan_sports_law #ukraine_national_team
