Ukrainian winger “Chelsea” Mykhailo Mudryk, who was previously suspended over allegations of violating anti-doping rules, may avoid a four-year ban, reports the British publication Footballinsider247.
Mykhailo MudrykThe footballer was temporarily suspended in December last year after a positive doping test. In June, the English FA officially charged him with violating anti-doping rules, and the player faced up to four years of suspension.
Mudryk himself stated at that time that the news was a “complete shock” to him and emphasized that he “never did anything illegal.”
Now, new details have emerged. According to former journalist Ihor Burbas (via Fabrizio Romano), Mudryk received a stem cell injection from the physiotherapist of the national team of Ukraine. The procedure was conducted to speed up recovery from discomfort that hindered the player from performing at full strength.
This fact may become key in the case and affect the decision regarding a possible ban, as it concerns a medical procedure for therapeutic purposes, rather than intentional use of banned substances.
By comparison, last year Paul Pogba received a four-year ban for doping; however, it was later reduced to 18 months after an appeal.
