The English Football Association has officially charged Ukrainian player Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea's winger, with violating anti-doping regulations, following a positive result from his 'A' sample taken after one of Ukraine's matches last year, which revealed the presence of the banned substance Meldonium.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 24-year-old Mudryk could face a suspension of up to four years if the result of the 'B' sample, which is still under analysis, is confirmed to be positive as well.

A spokesperson for the English Football Association confirmed in an official statement: "We confirm that an allegation has been made against Mykhailo Mudryk for violating anti-doping rules due to the presence and/or use of a banned substance in accordance with regulations."

Mudryk insists that he did not intentionally consume any banned substance and hopes to mitigate the potential penalty based on extenuating circumstances.

This development represents a significant blow to Chelsea, which signed the player from Shakhtar Donetsk for a substantial fee, with reports indicating that the club may consider terminating his contract if a conviction is established.