Mudryk’s Message After Doping Case Settled: I Have Never Knowingly Taken Any Banned Substance
The 24-year-old was provisionally suspended late last year after a routine anti-doping test reportedly returned an adverse finding.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has broken his silence after his doping case was settled, confirming that the four-year ban imposed on him has been rescinded and he is now free to resume his professional career with immediate effect.
In an emotional statement released on Friday, the Ukrainian international described the last few months as the most difficult period of his career and maintained his innocence, insisting he has never intentionally taken any prohibited substance.
“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect. I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future,” Mudryk said.
The 24-year-old was provisionally suspended late last year after a routine anti-doping test reportedly returned an adverse finding. The case sparked widespread speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting he could face up to four years out of the game.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea FC from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £88.5 million, has always denied any wrongdoing and maintained that any violation was unintentional.
“This has been the most difficult period of my career. As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me,” he added.
In his message, the winger thanked his family, friends, legal team, teammates and Chelsea supporters for standing by him throughout the ordeal.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period. I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout. I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case.”
Mudryk said his focus is now firmly on returning to the pitch and rebuilding his career.
“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch. Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career.”
The decision clears the way for Mudryk to rejoin full training with Chelsea under new management, with the club expected to issue its own statement in the coming hours. His return will be a major boost for the Blues, who have stood by the player during the entire process, offering both legal and psychological support.
For Ukraine, it also comes as good news ahead of upcoming international fixtures, with Mudryk now eligible for national team selection again.
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