This is because the FA’s anti-doping program is considered strictly confidential: all parts of the process, from testing to discussions with lawyers, are carried out behind closed doors to respect the privacy of the footballers.
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UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) works collaboratively with the FA on the programme.
The FA has never named the exact banned substance Mudryk tested positive for, but BBC Sport understands it is the cardiovascular drug meldonium, which has the potential to increase respiratory capacity and stamina, which he came into contact with while on duty with the Ukraine national team.
It is still unclear how exactly Mudryk apparently ingested meldonium, which has been banned by WADA since 2016 and is primarily used in Eastern European countries to treat conditions such as angina, heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Mudryk has been suspended and unable to play for either Chelsea or Ukraine since he was provisionally suspended by the FA 16 months ago.
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He remains contracted to the Blues until 2031, having signed a long-term contract when he joined for £61m in 2022, as part of the club’s plan to amortize the cost of transfers and contracts.
If Cas confirms Mudryk’s suspension, he will not be able to play again until approximately December 2028, as that is four years since his provisional suspension began.
But if Cas were to ease the ban, he could return to the field in a much shorter period of time. Sources close to the player believe he could return to action next season.
Chelsea could terminate Mudryk’s contract once the Cas process has concluded, given that an anti-doping ban constitutes a breach of working conditions in the contracts of most footballers.
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Mudryk last played for Chelsea on November 28, 2024 and was an unused substitute in a league match three days later against Aston Villa.
The Ukrainian is training alone with a private trainer at facilities such as Uxbridge FC and has also hired goalkeepers for some sessions.
Mudryk filed his appeal with Cas on February 25.
The court will re-examine the case, usually with a panel of three arbitrators who review the evidence and can confirm, overturn or modify the ban imposed by the FA.
Read more about Mudryk’s four-year suspension and subsequent appeal