REVEALED: Chelsea star Mudryk banned after bizarre doping by 'cow'

Suraj Radia

11 Sept 2025 20:00 BST
3 min read

Alleged details have been revealed over the circumstances that have led to Mykhailo Mudryk’s mysterious ban that has seen the Chelsea winger disappear from action for nearly a year.

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Mudryk has not featured for Chelsea since November 2024 after reports that he failed a doping test while on international duty with Ukraine.

Current ETV

Mykhaylo Mudryk

M, AM (L)

Chelsea

Mykhaylo Mudryk

M, AM (L)

Chelsea

ETV Range

€34M - €41.6M

The FA confirmed in June that Mudryk had been provisionally suspended in December after ‘an adverse finding in a routine urine test’ which could lead to a four-year ban from football.

Mudryk has maintained his innocence, while Chelsea have supported the 24-year-old during his absence, but new reports have expanded on his situation.

According to Ukrainian journalist Igor Burbas, Mudryk was experiencing discomfort during a national team training camp which led to him receiving a stem cell injection designed to promote tissue regeneration.

However, the stem cells were said to come from a cow that may have been exposed to Meldonium, the banned substance which was detected in Mudryk’s sample.

Mudryk is believed to be waiting on a ‘B’ sample which could determine his future, although no formal announcement or clarity has been given, with the forward banned from training and absent from all club media since.

Mudryk left in cold after Chelsea struggles

Mudryk had struggled since his €70 million transfer to Chelsea in 2023, scoring just five goals in 53 Premier League appearances for the club prior to his suspension.

© IMAGO - Mykhailo Mudryk has been unable to train with Chelsea since his ban in December last year.

The winger did net on his final game in the Europa Conference League against Heidenheim but he has not been included in a Blues squad since December 1.

Mudryk’s number ten shirt was given to Cole Palmer this summer, leaving the Ukrainian without a number and not listed as part of Chelsea’s squad on their website.

Should Mudryk be handed a four-year ban, he would not be available for action until 2028 barring any appeal, when he will still have three years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.