Premier League stars are one of the nine professional football players who have tested positively on forbidden substances since 2022, but none is forbidden, according to the British anti-doping (UKAD) figures.
All nine were allowed to play for their clubs after the football club accepted that the drugs were taken for medical reasons or 'via a permitted route'.
These cases do not include Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk, who was currently suspended in December 2024, or Paul Pogba, who later received a ban of four years to 18 months. Both were subject to a separate procedure.
According to the Sun, four players alone tested in 2023, including at least two of Premier League clubs, with two of those cases that are still being investigated. None of the nine players involved has been mentioned.
Detected substances include tamoxifen, triamcinolone and amphetamine, all of which are prohibited under anti-doping instructions.
Triamcinolone helps to reduce weight without reducing the power. Tamoxifen can help muscle growth, while it is known that amphetamine increases endurance.
A spokesperson for the Ukad confirmed that a positive test does not automatically mean that a doping infringement has occurred, because players can get therapeutic use (TUE) for medical reasons.
“If a player with a legitimate medical condition has to use a forbidden substance or method, he must apply for an exemption from therapeutic use (Tue),” the FA explains on his official website. “This is only accepted if there are no other suitable permitted medicines or treatments that can be used, and there is a strict, detailed process to determine this.”
Mudryk, 24, tested positively for Meldonium while he had international duty with Ukraine. He denies any misconduct but can undergo a ban of four years.
Former Manchester United -midfielder Pogba tested positively on DHEA, a substance that increases the testosterone levels while playing for Juventus.
Initially, a four -year suspension handed it back, Pogba had reduced it to 18 months after a appeal and was released to return to football in March 2025. However, Juventus had already terminated his contract in November 2024.
The increase in doping cases comes in the midst of growing concern about substance abuse in English football. More than 500 players at all levels are currently being treated for addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling.
Last season alone, 80 professionals were looking for therapy for problems with substances such as cocaine, nitrogen oxide, sleeping pills and alcohol. Some players reportedly turn to the Black Market Zopiclone to help sleep, a medicine that can form a habit.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard openly spoke about the issue and admitted: “It is a subject that went under the radar.”
Ukad has also confirmed that two players, one in the Premier League and one in the EFL, tested positively on forbidden fabrics immediately after matches last season. Both cases remain confidential.
A FA spokesperson said: 'We are fully met the national anti-doping policy of the British government department for digital, culture, media and sport; Fund one of the leading anti -doping programs of World Sport; And input in targeted, investigated drug tests led by British anti-doping.
'We also operate our own dedicated social drug program to protect the physical and mental well -being of football players; And to maintain the values and ethics of the sport. '
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