A Ukrainian journalist has presented an intriguing explanation for why Mykhailo Mudryk may have failed a drug test in 2024. The Chelsea winger tested positive for meldonium, a forbidden substance, after playing international friendlies in Albania and Georgia in November.
The Football Association charged Mudryk with anti-doping offences earlier this year, despite previously claiming that the failed test was a “complete shock” and that he had “not done anything wrong.” However, a new update may provide a peculiar explanation for how the failed test occurred.
Possible Explanation for Mudryk
According to Igor Burbas and the X account @scout_eurasia, the surprising cause for the failed test could be tied to cows. Burbas detailed how the forward got stem cell treatment, which could be what landed him in trouble. The tweet in question states:
“According to Burbas, Mudryk was having discomfort throughout the national team training camp, which stopped him from playing to his full potential. To help him recuperate, he received a stem cell injection that promotes tissue regeneration.
“It is reported that the stem cells were derived from a cow that may have been exposed to meldonium, a banned substance found in Mudryk’s sample.” The injection was given by Igor Porobiya, the physiotherapist for the Ukrainian national team.
“According to the source, this procedure is the only unique incident in Mudryk’s life in the last year and a half. According to previous reports, if the “B” sample confirms the presence of meldonium, Mykhailo Mudryk might face a lengthy suspension.
According to some accounts, Mudryk has gone to great measures to prove his innocence, including taking a lie detector test to ensure he has not taken any forbidden substances.
The 24-year-old is now forbidden from using Chelsea’s Cobham training facility, but it is believed the club has provided him with a workout regimen to keep him in condition. He has also had his number 10 shirt removed and replaced with Cole Palmer’s.
If the B sample confirms the suspected doping infraction, Mudryk might be banned from football for up to four years, a punishment equal to what Paul Pogba received before it was overturned.
xz
