The English FA has officially charged Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk with violating anti-doping regulations, following a positive test for meldonium dating back to December 2024.

The Ukrainian international, provisionally suspended since the incident, now faces the prospect of a ban that could last up to four years. The FA confirmed the charge on Wednesday, citing Articles 3 and 4 of its anti-doping code, and declined further comment while the case is ongoing.

This marks a stunning fall for a player once considered one of Europe’s brightest prospects. Signed by Chelsea in January 2023 for €70 million to snatch him from Arsenal’s grasp, Mudryk’s journey in England has been turbulent. His output—10 goals and 11 assists—fell short of expectations, and the doping scandal has compounded Chelsea’s frustrations.

Meldonium, the banned substance found in his system, is known in Eastern Europe and previously led to the suspension of tennis star Maria Sharapova. Though Mudryk claims innocence and says he never knowingly took a banned substance, the FA’s formal charge suggests a lengthy legal and sporting battle lies ahead.