Mykhailo Mudryk, a winger for Chelsea, tested positive for a prohibited drug, the team announced in a statement on Tuesday.
According to reports, the “adverse finding,” which was discovered during a regular urine test, included traces of meldonium, a substance that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned.
Meldonium, which is frequently used to treat heart issues, can improve recovery and endurance, hence athletes should never use it.
The 22-year-old Mudryk said, “I have never intentionally used any forbidden substances or breached any rules,” in denial of any deliberate misconduct. My team and I collaborating together to look into how this may have occurred.
According to reports, the test was conducted following the Ukrainian international’s November return from national team action.
Meldonium is prescribed in some Eastern European countries but is not authorized for usage in the United States.
Chelsea reaffirmed their backing for the athlete, noting that he has flatly denied intentionally consuming any prohibited substances.
In an effort to ascertain the facts surrounding the test result, the club has started working with authorities.
Since meldonium was introduced to WADA’s banned list in 2016, there have been several high-profile cases using it, including Mudryk’s case.
Mudryk might be suspended if proven guilty of doping, which would hurt Chelsea in the middle of their Premier League and European campaigns.
As the club and the player await clarification, the inquiry is still ongoing, and more updates are anticipated.