(In Ukraine) Lawyers, losses and lie detectors - inside Mudryk doping case

Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension has created frustration in Ukraine, with his former club Shakhtar Donetsk directly affected. The club stand to lose up to €30m in potential add-ons from Chelsea, which were linked to his performances and appearances. With Mudryk unable to play, those conditions are now highly unlikely to be met. 

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Reports in Ukraine suggested that Shakhtar might sue the Ukrainian Association of Football for compensation, but the club’s chief executive Sergei Palkin dismissed the idea as nonsense. He insisted that finances are not the club’s main concern, stressing instead their support for the player.

Shakhtar’s sporting director Dario Srna reinforced that sentiment, saying Mudryk is one hundred percent innocent and deserves backing as a human being, not just a footballer. Both Palkin and Srna said the club will stand by him, describing him as a graduate of their academy and someone with whom they maintain a close personal bond. Palkin also expressed concern for Ukraine’s footballing image on the international stage, calling on the UAF to handle the case with responsibility. The club believe the priority is Mudryk’s wellbeing and that the legal process must reach a fair conclusion.

Mudryk last appeared in public after Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League final victory over Real Betis, which he attended in a private capacity. Since then, the 24 year old has been living in London, but his suspension means he cannot train with Chelsea or play in any matches. Friends say he remains physically and mentally well. He continues to attend church regularly, reflecting his deep Orthodox Christian faith, and is training with a private coach to maintain his fitness during this period. Chelsea are monitoring his progress closely, but the restrictions of his suspension mean he has limited contact with the club and his teammates.

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What lies ahead remains uncertain. If Mudryk is found guilty of breaking anti-doping rules, he could face a ban of up to four years. His legal team would have the right to appeal, with further options at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. Past cases suggest the process may take months, or even more than a year, to reach resolution. For now, Chelsea and Ukraine must wait, while Mudryk continues to work alone in the hope of eventually returning to the pitch and restarting his career.