- Mykhailo Mudryk is appealing a Football Association drug ban via the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- The Chelsea player has missed competitive action for nearly 18 months due to a suspension.
- Legal experts from Morgan Sports Law are representing Mudryk in his fight to return to football.
Mykhailo Mudryk, the 25-year-old winger for Chelsea, has requested an appeal from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He is fighting a drugs ban imposed by the Football Association. This Switzerland-based court confirmed receiving the legal filing on 25 February 2026.
The athlete has been absent from professional play since November 2024. This follows a provisional suspension in December 2024 caused by a routine urine test result. Although the FA filed charges in June 2025, the exact status of his ban remains undisclosed.
Reports suggest the issue involves meldonium, a cardiovascular drug known to improve respiratory capacity and stamina. This exposure likely occurred in October 2024. Mudryk was serving on duty with the national team of Ukraine during that specific time period.
Mudryk expressed total shock when the suspension first began. He maintains that he never knowingly used banned substances or violated any established rules. He joined Chelsea in January 2023 for an initial fee of 70 million euros.
His legal defense is handled by Morgan Sports Law. This firm has represented high-profile athletes like Paul Pogba, Tyson Fury, and Chris Froome. Currently, both the court and legal teams are exchanging written submissions before a hearing date is set.
To maintain his fitness, Mudryk is training with a private coach at Uxbridge FC. He has even hired goalkeepers for practice to prepare for a return this year. Chelsea has declined to comment while the legal process continues.
