Shakhtar CEO reveals Mudryk's struggle during 16-month doping ban limbo

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been struggling to cope with a 16-month absence from football while awaiting the final outcome of an anti-doping case, according to Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin. Mudryk has not played since November 2024 after testing positive for meldonium and faces a potential suspension of up to four years from the Football Association, with his situation still unresolved since the initial charge in June 2025.

Palkin, who remains close to the Ukrainian international, told football.london that the 25-year-old is training alone daily to maintain his physical and mental condition but that his mood is low. The CEO stated that Mudryk is barred from training with any club camp under FIFA regulations during the ongoing process, though the player maintains his belief that he will return to the sport swiftly.

Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar in a €70 million deal in January 2023 and was showing signs of improved form prior to the positive test, which brought his career to a sudden halt. His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2031, and a potential loan move to Chelsea's affiliate club Strasbourg has been mooted for whenever his playing status is clarified.

Palkin expressed his sympathy for the player, recalling Mudryk's exceptional work ethic during their time together in Ukraine. He said he meets with Mudryk during visits to London to offer support and expressed confidence that the player's legal team would find a resolution. Palkin added that an outcome is expected 'as soon as possible', though no formal timeline has been set by the governing bodies. The prolonged uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over a significant Chelsea investment and the career of a once-promising talent.