Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension after being officially charged with a doping violation by the Football Association (FA).

According to The Telegraph, the Ukrainian international tested positive for meldonium — a banned substance — during a routine check at the end of last year. The use of meldonium, which is prohibited under anti-doping regulations, carries a potential suspension of up to four years.

The FA has confirmed the charge, stating that Mudryk is being investigated for alleged violations of Regulations 3 and 4 of its Anti-Doping Regulations, which relate to the presence and/or use of prohibited substances.

A spokesperson for the FA told The Telegraph:
“We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of Regulations 3 and 4 of The FA’s Anti-Doping Regulations.

“As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”

Both Mudryk and Chelsea are now awaiting the results of the B sample test. The outcome of that analysis will be pivotal in determining whether the charge will lead to a formal sanction.

The situation casts a shadow over Mudryk’s future at Stamford Bridge. If the B test confirms the initial findings, Mudryk could be sidelined from all football activities for up to four years, dealing a major blow to Chelsea and Ukraine.

The club has not yet issued a formal statement but is said to be cooperating with the investigation while supporting the player through the process.