Mykhailo Mudryk’s ban has become one of the most significant off-field stories in English football, with the Chelsea winger now taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Mudryk has taken his fight against a reported four-year doping ban to CAS, in a case that could shape both his career and Chelsea’s long-term plans.
The 25-year-old winger has not played since late 2024 after returning an unfavourable finding in a routine drug test, a result that ultimately led to Mudryk’s ban being imposed.
He was provisionally suspended in December that year, before being formally charged by the Football Association in June 2025. Now, almost a year later, the Mudryk doping case has reached a critical stage.
Cas Appeal Confirmed as Mudryk’s Ban Continues
CAS has confirmed that it received Mudryk’s appeal on February 25, 2026, with written submissions currently being exchanged and a hearing date yet to be set in the CAS appeal Mudryk process.
While the governing bodies have not publicly detailed the final sanction, multiple reports state that the FA imposed a four-year ban – the maximum penalty under anti-doping regulations, further intensifying scrutiny around Mudryk’s ban.
The positive test is understood to involve meldonium, a cardiovascular medication that can aid respiratory capacity and stamina, placing the spotlight firmly on the wider football doping ban rules.
Mudryk has consistently denied knowingly taking any prohibited substance, describing the result as a “complete shock.”
If upheld, the ban would likely run until December 2028, although any sanction is expected to be backdated to the start of his provisional suspension.
Chelsea Facing Uncertainty Over Player’s Future
For Chelsea, the situation remains complex as they wait for clarity on Mudryk’s ban.
The club signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a fee that could rise to around £88 million, tying him down to a long-term contract.
Internally, decisions will depend heavily on the CAS outcome. A reduced ban – something that has happened in similar cases – could reopen the door for Mudryk’s return as early as next season.
But if the full four-year suspension is upheld, Chelsea may be forced to consider more drastic options, including contract termination or a long-term restructuring of their squad.
There are also financial implications. Performance-related payments owed to Shakhtar could be affected, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing Mudryk doping case.
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What Happens Next?
The CAS process can take months, and there is currently no confirmed hearing date as the appeal over Mudryk’s ban continues.
Mudryk’s legal team will aim either to overturn the ban entirely or reduce the sanction by proving a lack of intent. Under FA rules, intent is a key factor in determining whether the maximum punishment applies in cases like Mudryk’s ban.
Until a verdict is reached, the Chelsea winger remains sidelined, continuing individual training while his future hangs in the balance.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 27.12.2023
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