Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after being informed by the Football Association of a positive drugs test.
The Premier League giants shared a statement on Tuesday morning, writing: 'Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk regarding an adverse finding on a routine urine test.
“Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support the FA's testing program and all our players, including Mykhailo, are tested regularly. Mykhailo has categorically confirmed that he has never knowingly used banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to determine what caused the negative finding.”
Mudryk broke his silence shortly after the club's statement on social media, saying the negative finding had come as a 'complete shock'.
Reports in Ukraine that the substance is meldonium are considered correct by Mail Sport.
Mail Sport's Mike Keegan answers the key questions following the positive test, which has thrown Mudryk's career into uncertainty.
HOW DOES THE TEST REGIME WORK IN FOOTBALL?
Players are tested randomly after matches and at training grounds through a similar process.
During competitions, four sample collectors with blue bibs wait in the tunnel at the end of the competition. They then inform two players from each side that they have been selected for testing.
The players are then led to a predetermined testing area. They are given a cup and two glass jars. They urinate into the cup and then pour similar amounts into each jar. They then twist the lids of each jar until a special locking mechanism clicks, indicating they are closed.
The players then wash their hands and fill out a form asking them to name any supplements or medications they are taking. They are not allowed to return to the locker room until the process is complete.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
UK Anti-Doping provides the testing regime. The samples are labeled A and B. The A sample is tested first and the results are examined.
If there is an adverse finding, the player will be notified and a temporary suspension will be imposed. The suspension covers all football-related activities, not just matches. It means that the player cannot train with his or her club.
If they request it, the lab results can be provided to the player. Should the player not accept the finding of the A sample, the B sample is tested to ensure that the A sample was not contaminated.
In the vast majority of cases, both samples return the same result.
If the player wishes, he/she can be present in the laboratory when the B sample is taken. If the B sample returns a negative test, the process is almost always stopped and the suspension is lifted.
DOES THE PLAYER HAVE A say?
Yes. After reporting the negative finding of the A sample, the Football Association asks the player for an explanation of how the substance in question entered their system. This involves 'strict liability', which means that the player must explain exactly where the substance comes from.
For example, in some cases it could be said that a masseuse accidentally rubbed a substance into the bloodstream. A specific period is set for each case.
Should the B sample confirm the result, they have a short deadline to expand their answer.
WHO PAYS?
Should they feel that after further investigation, which often includes an interview with the player (and legal counsel), they have sufficient evidence, the FA will lay charges via a 'letter of charge' detailing the relevant offense of the anti-doping rules is described.
The indictment also states the intended consequences. The player then has 20 days to respond, which can only be extended in exceptional circumstances. At this stage, a reduced sentence may be offered in exchange for a guilty plea.
The player can then admit the charge, contest the consequences, or deny the charge and request a hearing through the Regulatory Commission. UKAD, FIFA and WADA will also receive the letter. There is a limitation period of ten years.
CAN THE PLAYER APPEAL?
The player may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport at this stage. Should a hearing take place, the burden of proof will be on the FA, which will have to prove that there has been a violation of the doping rules.
WHAT ARE THE SANCTIONS?
They vary, but a ban of up to four years is often considered.
Former No. 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for meldonium in 2016 and was given a 24-month ban before CAS reduced the suspension to 15 months on appeal. Boxer Alexander Povetkin tested positive for the same drug in May 2016, causing his heavyweight fight with Deontay Wilder to be postponed indefinitely.
As a rule of thumb, if the substance has been ingested intentionally, the ban will likely last four years, and two years if not.
HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE?
'How long is a piece of string?' asked an industry expert.
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