Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly passed a lie detector test in an effort to clear his name regarding doping allegations.
The Chelsea player is currently suspended while awaiting the results of a follow-up analysis on a urine sample that tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.
Credit: AP
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk two years ago. The CEO of his former club stated that Mudryk underwent a polygraph test arranged by his legal team.
Sergei Palkin mentioned frequent conversations with Mudryk, noting the player`s confusion about how this could have happened. He stated that Mudryk`s lawyers arranged the polygraph test, which the player passed. This result will be used as evidence that he did not intentionally do anything wrong.
Palkin stressed the need to investigate how the substance entered Mudryk`s system and who might be responsible.
Unintentional ingestion of banned substances is not a valid defense, and Mudryk faces a potential ban of up to four years.
He has not played since November 28 last year. Traces of meldonium were found in a routine urine sample submitted during his international duty.
Palkin also highlighted Shakhtar`s financial stake, as the club could lose up to €30 million (£25 million) in performance-related bonuses if Mudryk is unable to play regularly. He emphasized that Mudryk`s transfer was crucial for Shakhtar`s financial health.
Following news of the positive test, the 24-year-old Mudryk has reportedly stayed out of public view and has not been seen at Chelsea`s training ground for months.
How long are drugs bans in football?
Mykhailo Mudryk could face a ban of up to four years after failing a drugs test. But what are the rules regarding drugs in football?
There is a significant difference between penalties for recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.
Recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and MDMA, typically result in a six-month suspension. This ban can increase to up to two years if the drug is detected in a test taken after a match.
However, performance-enhancing drugs carry much more severe punishments. Crucially, the substance Mudryk allegedly tested positive for, meldonium, falls into this category.
The standard ban under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code is four years. This was the initial ban given to Paul Pogba following his failed drugs test, although it was later reduced to 18 months on appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The English FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under WADA authority, adhering to their procedures and guidelines.
Should Mudryk`s follow-up `B` sample also test positive, he is likely to face a ban of at least 18 months, which could extend to four years.
Currently, the only person in football listed on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell, a former Scottish striker banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.
