Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly responded to failing a drug test by hiring the law firm that significantly reduced Paul Pogba's doping ban.
On Tuesday morning it was confirmed that 23-year-old Mudryk tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium last month and has been provisionally suspended by the FA.
Mudryk responded to the news on social media by insisting he did nothing wrong, and has now taken steps to try to prove his innocence.
Mail Sport understands that Mudryk has hired specialist firm Morgan Sports Law, which also represented former Manchester United star Pogba earlier this year.
Pogba was handed a four-year ban in February after failing a drugs test during a match for Juventus in August last year.
The World Cup winner appealed the decision and with the help of Morgan Sports Law, his ban was reduced to 18 months.
Pogba could now return to football in March 2025 and has been teasing a comeback in recent days after terminating his contract with Juventus last month.
Mudryk's 'B' sample has yet to be tested, but he faces the possibility of a four-year ban.
Meldonium has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list since January 1, 2016.
Tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for the drug in 2016 and was subsequently banned for two years.
But Mudryk has vowed to fight his case and try to return to the field in the near future.
On his Instagram account, Mudryk wrote: 'I can confirm that I have been informed that a sample I provided to the FA contained a prohibited substance.
'This came as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used banned substances or broken any rules, and I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.
'I know I have done nothing wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the field soon. I cannot say more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will do so as soon as possible.'
Chelsea also released its own statement saying: '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. The Club does not wish to comment further.'
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