Shakhtar chief reveals ‘big financial impact’ of ban for Chelsea’s Mudryk

Shakhtar chief reveals ‘big financial impact’ of ban for Chelsea’s Mudryk

Shakhtar Donetsk director Sergei Palkin has revealed Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping case at Chelsea could cost his side €30m.

Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since being provisionally suspended in December 2024, after a urine test provided a positive result for a banned substance. He was formally charged in June 2025, though the FA investigation is ongoing. He has not been able to play for Chelsea or train alongside his teammates throughout the process.

Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing. Following the provisional ban, he took to Instagram to plead his innocence.

“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened,” he said.

“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.”

Mudryk doping ban could cost Shakhtar €30m

Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial fee of €70m (£61m) in January 2023. The transfer contained a series of bonuses that could take the fee to €100m and Palkin has revealed his team face missing out on major money. Mudryk faces a ban of up to four years if found guilty.

“We have €30 million of bonuses in his contract. If he’s not playing, or Chelsea aren’t reaching results, we are losing €30m. That’s a big financial impact for us,” Palkin told Ben Jacobs.

“Everybody believes this story will finish as soon as possible with a positive result and Mudryk will return to playing. Otherwise, we will be in a position to lose €30m.

“I know Mudryk as a player and a person. I believe he will return and start playing again… Everybody is waiting for the court’s decision, and we don’t have any information about when this will take place and when the final decision will be issued.”