Support from the Manager
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has come out in defense of Mykhailo Mudryk, expressing confidence that the player did not intentionally consume a banned substance. This statement comes after the Football Association informed Chelsea of an “adverse finding” in a doping test of the young Ukrainian.
Mudryk’s Response
Mudryk himself was quick to react on social media, describing the news as a “complete shock” and maintaining his innocence in the matter.
Maresca’s Assurance
Maresca emphasized the club’s trust in Mudryk, stating, “We trust Misha. When this kind of thing happens you need to support your player in all aspects.” He reiterated his duty to stay in contact and support Mudryk, highlighting the collective team effort to back him during this challenging time.
Potential Consequences
The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) guidelines specify that athletes could face up to a four-year ban if found to have intentionally taken banned substances. However, if the substance was from a contaminated product or specified substance with no significant fault, the ban could be reduced to a range from two years to just a reprimand, depending on the circumstances.
READ ALSO: Chelsea’s Mudryk Faces Suspension After Positive Doping Test
Mudryk’s Recent Activity
Mudryk has been absent from Chelsea’s lineup since scoring in a 2-0 win against Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28. Despite his recent absence from games, Maresca remains optimistic about Mudryk’s return, though the timeline remains uncertain.
Emphasizing Support
Maresca stressed the importance of support for any player in such situations, regardless of age or nationality, underlining the human aspect of sports. He said, “Any player in the world when this happens, they need support… With Misha it is exactly the same.”
Background on Mudryk
Having joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for a hefty £88.5 million, expectations for Mudryk have been high. As Chelsea continues its strong performance in both the Premier League and the European Conference League, the support for Mudryk from his manager and team remains steadfast.
