Chelsea striker Mudryk was preventively suspended by the English federation (FA) after testing positive for the use of Meldonium, a drug banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
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But what are the effects and why is Meldonium a prohibited medication? What benefits does it bring to sport? Tell you.
What are the effects of Meldonium and why is it banned?
Meldonium is an anti-ischemic medication, known as mildronate. The medication is used to treat heart ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases, in addition to pulmonary issues with the immune system.
The medication began to be monitored by WADA after studies suggested that athletes who used the medication had an increase in energy production from burning carbohydrates, in addition to an improvement in physical recovery and help with motor coordination, aiding memory and muscular learning in sports.
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The drug was banned in 2016. That year, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova was punished for using the substance, being suspended from the sport for two years. After an appeal, the tennis player had her sentence reduced to 15 months.
What punishment can Mudryk receive?
Mudryk will still undergo a second test. If the substance is again present in the player’s body, the athlete may face punishment of up to four years away from the field.
What did Mudryk say about doping?
Mudryk released an official statement stating that he received notification from the English federation (FA) but that he did not “knowingly” use the substance.
— This came as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules and am working closely with my club to investigate how this could have happened. I know I didn’t do anything wrong and I’m still hopeful to get back on the field soon. I can’t say anything more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will do so as soon as I can,” said the athlete.
What did Chelsea say about doping?
Chelsea stated that it regularly tests its athletes and assured that it will contribute to the investigations to identify the reason for the positive result.
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— Both the club and Mykhailo (Mudryk) fully support the FA testing program and all of our players, including Mykhailo, are tested regularly. Mykhailo categorically confirmed that he never knowingly used any banned substances. Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what caused the adverse conclusion,” Chelsea wrote.
