Mykhailo Mudryk was Spotted in Saudi Arabia After Positive Drugs Test and Provisional Suspension Ahead of Usyk vs Fury Rematch
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Mykhailo Mudryk Spotted in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Usyk-Fury Clash Amid Suspension Drama
Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has been seen in Saudi Arabia just days after news of his provisional suspension for a positive drugs test shocked the football world.
The 23-year-old winger tested positive for Meldonium, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2016, following a routine urine test conducted last month. The announcement, made on Tuesday morning, has left Mudryk unable to play, including missing Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Everton this Sunday.
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Despite the turmoil, Mudryk remains optimistic. A fan who met him in Saudi Arabia shared a photo on social media and claimed the Ukrainian star said, “I hope everything is gonna be fine”, when offered support. Mudryk is reportedly in Riyadh to cheer on his countryman, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, in his high-stakes rematch against Tyson Fury on Saturday night.
Mudryk Maintains Innocence
Reacting to the allegations, Mudryk took to Instagram to address the situation:
“I can confirm I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.”
“I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”
Chelsea Stands by Mudryk
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca expressed unwavering support for the player, affectionately nicknamed “Misha” by teammates:
“We support and trust Misha. We believe him. This has been a shock for all of us—me, the players, the club. But we are here to help him through this. He’s part of our family, and we’ll stand by him.”
Maresca added that Mudryk’s teammates were equally stunned and saddened by the news, emphasizing the importance of unity during such times.
What’s Next for Mudryk?
Mudryk has not played since November 28 in a Europa Conference League match and missed Chelsea’s last six fixtures due to a suspected adverse analytical finding. The FA has yet to test his “B” sample, which will be crucial in determining whether the initial results are upheld. If confirmed, Mudryk could face a four-year ban from football.
Mudryk’s legal team, Morgan Sports Law, has stated that no formal doping charges have been filed and emphasized their client’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea’s Official Statement
Chelsea released a statement earlier this week, reaffirming their commitment to anti-doping protocols:
“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.
Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme, and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.
Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.
Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding. The Club will not be commenting any further.”
The Bigger Picture
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a reported £88 million, is now at the center of one of football’s most high-profile doping cases. His situation mirrors past controversies involving Meldonium, notably the 2016 suspension of tennis star Maria Sharapova.
For now, Mudryk must navigate the intense scrutiny while awaiting the FA’s final decision. All eyes will also be on Usyk’s performance in Riyadh, as Mudryk seeks solace in supporting his compatriot during these challenging times.
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Mykhailo Mudryk Spotted in Saudi Arabia After Positive Drugs Test and Provisional Suspension Ahead of Usyk vs Fury Rematch
