Recently, the Mail broke the news: Chelsea striker Mudrick had a positive drug test, and the English FA has issued a temporary ban. Since the UEFA Cup on November 28, the 23-year-old Ukrainian striker has missed five consecutive games for the Blues.
Initially, Chelsea coach Maresca blamed illness for Mudrick's absence, but the results of the drug test have brought the truth to the surface. FA rules require players who test positive for drugs to be temporarily suspended and given a chance to explain themselves before charges are decided.
Chelsea FC have launched an investigation which, according to the Daily Mail, could focus on a contaminated supplement. Mudrick has insisted that he has not changed his daily behavior since August, suggesting that the contamination may not have been his doing.
There is speculation that the tainted supplement was either purchased abroad and the substance involved is difficult to find in the UK. This speculation adds to the confusion of the investigation and provides Mudrick with a glimmer of a defense.
Mudrick is awaiting the results of the "B" sample to see if it is consistent with the "A" sample. If the "B" sample is also positive, he could face a lengthy suspension, which would be a major blow to a player on the rise.
Chelsea FC and Mudrick's team are closely monitoring the progress of the incident in the hope that the water will soon come out and clear Mudrick's name. In the meantime, this incident has once again warned soccer players to exercise caution when using supplements to avoid getting themselves into trouble.
