Shakhtar CEO Weighs In as Mykhailo Mudryk’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

As the months roll on and the season nears its dramatic finale, one of Chelsea’s most high-profile signings remains shrouded in uncertainty. Mykhailo Mudryk, the lightning-quick Ukrainian winger who made headlines with his blockbuster transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in January 2023, is still in limbo following an alleged anti-doping violation.

What began as a cryptic absence in December has evolved into one of the most significant off-the-field storylines in recent memory. And now, with updates still scarce and fans hungry for clarity, Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has shed some much-needed light on the latest developments surrounding the case.

A Shock Suspension and a Long Wait

The first signs of trouble came in early December, when Mykhailo Mudryk was mysteriously left out of Chelsea’s matchday squads. Rumors swirled, but no one could put a finger on the cause—until whispers of a failed drugs test began to surface.

Eventually, the truth came out: Mykhailo Mudryk had tested positive for a banned substance during international duty with Ukraine. The news sent shockwaves through the Premier League and beyond. A global suspension followed swiftly, and the football world held its breath as the investigation began.

Since then, little has changed publicly. Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable for selection, awaiting the outcome of a lengthy review process hinging on the results of his B-sample—essentially a second test used to confirm the presence of any illicit substances.

Mykhailo Mudryk Maintains His Innocence

Throughout this ordeal, Mykhailo Mudryk has been vocal about his innocence. According to Palkin, who spoke candidly to GIVEMESPORT, the 24-year-old is completely baffled by the test results.

“I have spoken to Mykhailo Mudryk many times since this doping issue arose,” Palkin said. “He doesn’t understand how it could have happened. He has no clue. No idea at all.”

In an attempt to bolster his case, Mykhailo Mudryk’s legal team took an unusual but telling step: they arranged for the winger to take a lie detector test. He passed it, and the results will now form part of the defense aimed at proving he did not intentionally ingest a banned substance.

“Mudryk has been clear,” Palkin added. “It’s not his fault that he tested positive. We now need to find out how this has happened, and who did this. His lawyers are trying to find out.”

B-Sample Holds the Key

The next crucial step lies in the results of Mykhailo Mudryk’s B-sample. Until that analysis is complete and officially released, the matter remains unresolved. While Mykhailo Mudryk and those close to him continue to push the narrative of innocence, football’s governing bodies will rely on the science before rendering a final verdict.

“There are still no results from the B-sample, so that remains open,” said Palkin. “Nobody knows what’s happened. I wish Mykhailo Mudryk all the best. He’s a top professional and a very good person. He should be protected.”

Stakes Higher Than Just Reputation

This saga isn’t only about one player’s career—it’s also about the financial interests of the clubs involved. Shakhtar Donetsk, Mykhailo Mudryk’s former club, still has a vested interest in the winger’s future. His transfer to Chelsea reportedly included numerous performance-based add-ons, which may now be at risk.

“If he’s not playing, it causes problems for us because we could potentially lose €30 million,” Palkin admitted. “So Shakhtar, Chelsea, and Mykhailo Mudryk—we are in one boat. We all support Mykhailo Mudryk, and hope he is allowed to continue playing football soon.”

It’s a rare moment of unity in modern football, where clubs often distance themselves from players caught in controversy. In this case, however, both his current and former employers are standing by him.

What Happens If the B-Sample Is Positive?

The consequences of a confirmed positive test are severe, even if Mykhailo Mudryk can demonstrate a lack of intent. History offers several cautionary tales.

Back in 2021, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was handed a 12-month ban after inadvertently ingesting a banned substance found in his wife’s medication. His appeal eventually shortened the ban to nine months, but the damage to his reputation lingered.

More recently, Paul Pogba faced a similar situation. The former Juventus and Manchester United star tested positive for testosterone in 2023 and initially received a standard four-year ban. After a drawn-out legal process, that was reduced to 18 months.

If Mykhailo Mudryk’s B-sample confirms the initial findings, a suspension from FIFA is almost inevitable. How long that suspension lasts may depend heavily on whether his legal team can demonstrate unintentional ingestion—a high bar to clear.

Chelsea’s Dilemma

For Chelsea, the timing couldn’t be worse. The club is still trying to settle into a rhythm under new leadership and has already faced a season riddled with injuries and inconsistency. Mykhailo Mudryk was meant to be a solution to their attacking woes—a spark on the wing with the potential to change games.

Instead, his absence has left a noticeable void. Though he had yet to fully hit his stride at Stamford Bridge, signs of progress were emerging. A few electric performances early in the season hinted at a breakout campaign, and then—silence.

Chelsea now must wait alongside everyone else, their £88.5 million investment on hold. And while Mudryk’s name remains on the squad sheet, his future in the team—at least for this season—is uncertain.

Human Cost and Hope

While much of the discussion has centered around rules, bans, and club finances, it’s important not to lose sight of the human being at the center of this story. Mudryk is still just 24, a young man navigating an incredibly stressful chapter of his life under the brightest of spotlights.

His career, reputation, and even identity as a professional athlete are on the line. And for someone who has insisted on his innocence from day one, the wait must be excruciating.

Palkin’s words underscore that sentiment: “He’s a top professional and a very good person. He should be protected.”

Final Thoughts: A Critical Period for Player and Club

As Chelsea receive this latest update on the Mykhailo Mudryk doping investigation, the hope across all parties is clear: clarity, fairness, and a return to football for a player whose potential still burns brightly.

For now, all eyes remain on that pending B-sample. Whether it brings relief or repercussions, one thing is for certain—the football world will be watching closely, and the implications could be significant for Chelsea, Shakhtar, and Mykhailo Mudryk himself.