The four longest doping bans in Premier League history as Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk suspended

Chelsea No.10 Mykhailo Mudryk has been suspended by the Football Association (FA) after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Blues were contacted by the FA on Tuesday after an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” provided by the Ukraine international – who has since addressed his provisional suspension on Inst👍agram.

Mudryk – recently linked to Bayern Munich – wrote: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowing𝐆ly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my teaꦗm to investigate how this could have happened.

“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopefulജ that I♔ will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”

Under FIFA guidelines, players found to have intentionally taken a banned substance can be banned for up to four ye💧ars.

As Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea fans alike await further information on this situation, let’s take a look at the four longest doping bans in Premier League history.

Kolo Toure – six months

Kolo Toureꦉ found himself in hot water back in March 2011 after testing positive for a banned substance – which he claimed to be his wife’s diet tablets.

The Ivorian was slapped with a six-month ban from football and fined a sum of six weeks’ wages by Manchester City, although it was widely acknowledged he maꦦde a genuine mistake, and he returned to the starting XI by September 2011 after serving his suspension.

Adrian Mutu – seven months

The situation involving Adrian Mutu at Chelsea was a l🙈ittle less innocent than Toure’s misdemeanour seemed to be.

Back in November 2004, the Romanian ensured his contract with Chelsea was terminated after failing a drugs test, also landing himself a £20,000 fine after cocaine w♔as found in his system.

It came ♔just over a year after Chelsea signed Mutu from Parma in August 2003 for a significant sum of £15.8m – a tremendous waste of money.

Mark Bosnich – nine months

Chelsea had another issu🔜e with cocaine use back in November 2002 involving Mark B🦹osnich.

Th🎶e Blues suspended the Australian after he failed a drugs test, before later deciding to sack the goalkeeper in January 2003 – with Chelsea writing in an official statement: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that notice has been served on goalkeeper Mark Bosnich thaꦬt his contract is being terminated under the terms of the FA Premier League.

“We will be saying nothing else on the matter during this notice p🌳💃eriod.”

Abel Xavier – 12 months

Abel Xavier received an initial 18-month ban while playing for Middlesbrough back in November 🅠2005 after he tested positive for anabolic steroids after a UEFA Cup clash.

Specifically, the Portugue💛s🦋e defender used dianabol.

Xavier was sacked by Middlesbrough, although he later saw his 18-month b✃an reduced to 12 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.