Chelsea’s Mudryk appeals against four-year FA ban

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has formally appealed a four-year suspension handed down by the Football Association, taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority for sporting disputes.

The 25-year-old Ukraine international has been out of action for nearly 18 months following an “adverse analytical finding” in a routine urine test, which initially led to a provisional suspension in December 2024. After formal charges were issued in June 2025, the FA imposed the maximum four-year ban.

A CAS spokesperson confirmed that Mudryk’s appeal was filed on 25 February 2026. The case is now in its written phase, with both sides exchanging legal submissions, while a hearing date has not yet been set.

Timeline of suspension and charges

Mudryk has not played competitive football since November 2024, when he last appeared for Chelsea. His provisional suspension began the following month after the positive test result emerged.

In standard doping cases, bans are usually backdated to the start of the provisional suspension period. If the FA ruling is upheld, that would mean Mudryk’s suspension would run until approximately December 2028.

However, the appeal process at CAS could significantly alter that outcome, and sources close to the player believe there is still a possibility of a reduced sanction, which could potentially allow a return as early as next season.

Substance involved in the case

Reports indicate that the substance in question is believed to be meldonium, a cardiovascular drug sometimes associated with enhanced stamina and oxygen efficiency.

Mudryk is understood to have come into contact with the substance while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024. He has consistently maintained that he never knowingly used any banned substance or breached anti-doping regulations.

Shortly after his provisional suspension began, Mudryk issued a statement expressing shock at the situation, insisting he was unaware of any wrongdoing and strongly denying intentional doping.

Legal defence and CAS process

Mudryk is being represented by Morgan Sports Law, a prominent legal firm with experience in high-profile sporting cases. The company has previously worked on cases involving athletes such as Paul Pogba, boxer Tyson Fury, and cyclist Chris Froome.

The CAS process typically involves written submissions from both parties, followed by a formal hearing where legal teams present arguments before a panel of arbitrators. A final ruling can take several months depending on complexity.

CAS has confirmed that proceedings are ongoing and no hearing date has yet been scheduled.

Mudryk’s situation at Chelsea

Mudryk joined Chelsea FC in January 2023 in a high-profile transfer worth around €70 million (£61m), arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk with significant expectations.

However, his career in England has been disrupted by both inconsistency on the pitch and now the long-term suspension off it. Since November 2024, he has been unable to participate in competitive football.

Chelsea have declined to comment on the ongoing legal case, stating that they are waiting for the full legal process to conclude. The Football Association has also refused to provide further details due to the case being active.

Training and efforts to stay fit

Despite the suspension, Mudryk has continued to train independently to maintain his fitness. He is currently working with a private coach and has been using facilities at non-league side Uxbridge FC.

He has also arranged for goalkeepers and training staff to assist with his individual sessions, with the aim of staying physically and technically prepared in case he is cleared to return earlier than expected.

Those close to the player say he remains determined to resume his career and is targeting a possible return to competitive football in the near future, depending on the outcome of the appeal.

What happens next

The CAS appeal will determine whether Mudryk’s four-year ban is upheld, reduced, or overturned entirely. If the original ruling stands, he would be sidelined until late 2028. If successful, however, he could see his suspension shortened significantly.

For now, the case remains unresolved, with both legal teams preparing detailed arguments in what is expected to be a closely watched sporting dispute.