Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has escalated his dispute over a Football Association doping sanction to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The 25‑year‑old, who has not featured for Chelsea since November 2024, lodged the appeal on 25 February 2026. Both parties are now exchanging written submissions while a hearing date remains unset.

The provisional suspension stemmed from an adverse urine test in December 2024, followed by a formal FA charge in June 2025. investigators believe Mudryk ingested the cardiovascular drug meldonium while on Ukraine duty in October 2024, a substance that can boost stamina. The FA has yet to disclose whether a full ban has been imposed.

Mudryk retained Morgan Sports Law, the firm that defended Paul Pogba’s Juventus doping case and represented Tyson Fury and Chris Froome in their investigations. To maintain fitness, he trains with non‑league side Uxbridge FC under a private coach and even hires goalkeeping specialists. Chelsea has declined comment, awaiting the arbitration outcome.

With Mudryk absent for almost two seasons, Chelsea have been forced to reshuffle attacking options, relying on younger prospects and the winter signing market. Should the tribunal lift the ban, the club could regain a player once valued at €70m and potentially restore depth on the flanks. Until then, his registration remains a dormant asset.