Mykhailo Mudryk picks up another ban as Chelsea’s star struggles continues

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been handed a ban after repeatedly flouting the UK’s traffic laws, a move that confirms the player’s struggle off the pitch.

The 24-year-old Ukrainian international has not played for the Blues since December last year when he was accused of testing positive for a banned substance. Mudryk was charged with violating anti-doping rules in June, leaving his footballing career in limbo as he awaits the outcome of the FA investigation.

Mudryk who has since been in the spotlight has now picked up a six-month driving ban for a string of driving offences, culminating in a speeding ticket in his customised BMW M8.

At Lavender Hill magistrates court last month, the star was disqualified from driving by magistrates, having amassed 13 penalty points on his licence in the space of 18 months.

Mykhailo Mudryk applauds Chelsea fans during a Premier League match. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Mudryk, who sent a lawyer in his place to the court hearing, was also fined £660, ordered to pay £130 in costs, and settle a £266 victim surcharge.

The Ukrainian arrived at Chelsea in January 2023 after the Premier League side paid Shakhtar Donetsk £62. Mudryk was handed an eight-and-a-half year deal with his transfer fee expected to go up to £89 million with add-ons.

However, he has struggled to play at the highest level. The winger has just five goals across 53 Chelsea league appearances.

Still expecting an update on the investigation surrounding his failed drug test, Mudryk, who featured for Ukraine at Euro 2024, said he was in “complete shock” after the initial failed drugs test, and said he would “never knowingly use any banned substances”.

Chelsea said at the time: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.”

If found guilty, he faces a ban of up to four years. Chelsea have since moved on from the winger. His number 10 shirt was handed over to Cole Palmer for the start of the 2025/26 season.