Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has been embroiled in a doping scandal, but Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has come to the player’s defence.
Mudryk is currently provisionally suspended by the FA after an A-sample returned positive for meldonium. He denies knowingly taking a banned substance, but athletes are strictly liable for anything ingested, unless they can prove sabotage or a flaw in testing protocol.
According to an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, Palkin revealed that Mudryk has passed a polygraph test, which will form part of the evidence to show he didn’t intentionally do anything wrong.
“I have spoken to Mudryk many times since this doping issue arose,” said Palkin, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT. “He doesn’t understand how it could have happened. He has no clue. No idea at all.”
Mudryk made 44 appearances for Shakhtar between 2018 and 2023, scoring 12 goals, before joining Chelsea in January 2023 for €70m, plus a further €30m in add-ons. Shakhtar could lose those bonuses if Mudryk doesn’t play for Chelsea again.
Palkin also revealed that Mudryk’s lawyers are trying to find out how the doping scandal occurred and who was responsible. “Mudryk has been clear, it’s not his fault that he tested positive,” Palkin added. “We now need to find out how this has happened, and who did this. His lawyers are trying to find out.”
The Shakhtar chief executive expressed his support for Mudryk, stating that the player is a top professional and a very good person who should be protected.
Shakhtar also has a vested interest in the situation, as there are bonuses from Mudryk’s move to Chelsea linked to his performances. If he’s not playing, it causes problems for Shakhtar because they could potentially lose €30m.
In a separate matter, Palkin discussed the sale of Mudryk to Chelsea, which directly benefited thousands of Ukrainian victims of the war with Russia. Shakhtar owner Rinat Akhmetov donated a large portion of the funds to humanitarian causes.
“Rinat Akhmetov gave €25m from the Mudryk sale to support our defence against Russia and provide aid to Ukrainians,” added Palkin. “He is in love with our club and our country. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Mr. Akhmetov has donated over €315m, which is the largest amount among all private Ukrainian companies or individuals.”
The rest of the Mudryk fee was also vital to safeguard Shakhtar’s future, as they have suffered financial hardships due to the war. They have been forced to pay off around €40m in debt to comply with Financial Fair Play and ultimately avoid a ban from European competition.
Palkin also touched on the departure of Israeli attacker Manor Solomon, who joined Shakhtar for €6m in 2019 and left for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer four years later. Palkin accused Tottenham of acting “like a robber on the road”.
Shakhtar claimed Annex 7 led to them losing €40m in transfer income, a number that Palkin reveals has now doubled. One of the most high-profile exits was that of Solomon, and Palkin believes it is tough to take on FIFA, even though he is still adamant that Shakhtar are in the right.
Palkin expressed frustration with FIFA’s handling of the situation, stating that they don’t care about helping Ukrainian football because it’s not a money generator for them.
Heading into this summer, Shakhtar remain reliant on sales, which is why one day receiving the Mudryk add-ons could prove important. Shakhtar’s most prized asset is 22-year-old midfielder Giorgi Sudakov, who has 13 goals and six assists this season. The Ukraine international is drawing interest from Napoli and has been discussed by Brentford.
Palkin confirmed that they are in negotiations over Sudakov’s transfer and expects a deal to be done soon. “We are now in negotiations,” said Palkin. “I can’t announce amounts, but I believe we will close this deal, and on good financial terms.”
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