Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has lodged an attraction with the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport towards a 4‑12 months medicine ban imposed by the Soccer Affiliation.
The Ukraine worldwide, 25, has been sidelined for almost 18 months after an “opposed discovering in a routine urine check” led to a provisional suspension in December 2024.
Charged in June 2025, Mudryk was subsequently handed the utmost 4‑12 months ban by the FA, based on a spokesperson for the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport, the best authorized authority in sport.
The FA has by no means disclosed particulars of the case.
In such instances, bans are usually backdated to the beginning of the provisional suspension, that means his present return date could be round December 2028.
Nevertheless, an attraction has now been lodged with the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in Switzerland, with sources near the participant hopeful he might return to motion as early as subsequent season.
In a press release to BBC Sport, Cas stated: “Cas confirms it has obtained an attraction by Mykhailo Mudryk towards the FA, filed on 25 February 2026. The Events are at present exchanging written submissions, and a listening to is but to be scheduled.”
The BBC understands Mudryk got here into contact with the cardiovascular treatment meldonium, which may enhance respiratory capability and stamina, whereas on responsibility with the Ukraine nationwide staff in October 2024.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea for an initial 70m euros (£61m) in January 2023, has not performed a aggressive match since November 2024.
In his solely public assertion when his provisional suspension started, Mudryk described his “full shock” and stated he had “by no means knowingly used any banned substances or damaged any guidelines”.
Mudryk is being defended by Morgan Sports activities Legislation, the agency who labored with former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba throughout his doping case whereas taking part in for Juventus, in addition to boxer Tyson Fury and bike owner Chris Froome throughout their respective investigations.
He’s understood to need to return to taking part in soccer this 12 months and is protecting match by coaching at non-league Uxbridge FC with a personal coach and having employed goalkeepers to work with.
Chelsea declined to remark as they look forward to the method to take its full course and the FA stated it’s unable to touch upon an ongoing case. Mudryk’s authorized staff has additionally been contacted for remark.