Eligibility of Exiled Chelsea Winger Mykhailo Mudryk for Conference League Medal due to Obscure Regulation
Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who remains provisionally suspended after a positive doping test, was spotted in Poland ahead of Chelsea's Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday. Mudryk was pictured in a Chelsea tracksuit, signaling his support for the team.
Despite the ongoing ban, Mudryk contributed significantly to Chelsea's run to the final, making five appearances earlier in the competition. In those games, he scored three goals and provided four assists.
Mudryk tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium in December. He insists he never knowingly used any banned substances and believes the drug was administered overseas when he was not on Chelsea duty.
Mudryk's suspension has prevented him from playing for Chelsea or training at their Cobham base. However, due to UEFA's rules, he is eligible for a medal if Chelsea win the final or if they lose, if he was part of the official squad.
The specifics of his medal distribution are yet to be announced by Chelsea. They could choose to award it pitch-side or privately. If he receives the medal, Mudryk will join Chelsea's ranks as a Europa Conference League winner, although he will not be able to participate in the match due to his suspension.
In a statement released after his suspension, Mudryk said he was shocked by the positive test and was working closely with his team to investigate the matter. He emphasized he had never intentionally broken any rules and expected to return to the pitch soon.
Unintentional ingestion of a banned substance is not considered a permissible excuse. The Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office can impose bans of up to four years in extreme circumstances.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 on an eight-and-a-half year deal. He has since scored ten goals and provided 11 assists in 73 appearances for the club across all competitions. Mudryk's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2031, with six years still remaining on his deal.
The transfer saga surrounding Mudryk continues amidst his positive doping test, as he remains suspended even though he could potentially win a medal in Chelsea's Europa Conference League final. Despite his ongoing ban, Mudryk's impressive performances earlier in the competition contributed significantly to Chelsea's run. In the Premier League, Mudryk's future remains uncertain, but speculation suggests that his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2031, which might spark interest from other football clubs, even in the coveted Champions League.
