What is Meldonium and Its Use? Premier League Star, Mykhailo Mudryk Tests Positive for Banned Substance

What is Meldonium?

Meldonium, a substance developed in Latvia in the 1970s, was originally used to treat heart conditions such as low blood flow and angina. In Eastern Europe, it remains readily available over the counter due to its affordability. For athletes, Meldonium is known to enhance endurance and aid in physical recovery. It was widely used until 2014, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) detected it in the urine of several athletes. As a result, WADA added Meldonium to the list of prohibited substances in 2016.

That same year, the drug caused a major scandal when Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova tested positive for Meldonium during the Australian Open. Sharapova admitted to using it for its benefits and was handed a two-year suspension by the International Tennis Federation.

Now, Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian winger, faces a similar situation after testing positive for Meldonium in October 2024 during international duty with Ukraine. While the results of his ‘B’ sample are still pending, Mudryk could potentially face a four-year ban, which would significantly impact his career.

talkSPORT host Simon Jordan reacted to the confirmation of Mykhailo Mudryk’s adverse finding for Meldonium by discussing the substance’s history in sport. He pointed out that Meldonium, which had been widely used in Eastern European sports, gained global attention when athletes like Maria Sharapova tested positive for it.

He told talkSPORT’s White & Jordan: “Meldonium which is the same substance that Maria Sharapova got herself banned for which deals with ischemic issues, that deals with blood supply, and is only manufactured in the Baltics and in Latvia.

“It’s a substance that has had history previously and has obviously been banned as a substance hence the reason why it’s a challenge.

“Sharapova used it apparently because she had a magnesium deficiency, but she got herself banned as a result of it.

“So, yes This drug has form and has athletes in other sports that have had consequences attached to them as a result of it.”

Mudryk’s situation at Chelsea

According to The Times, Mykhailo Mudryk, who signed for Chelsea, has been provisionally suspended after the Football Association informed him of his failed anti-doping test. The Ukrainian winger has denied intentionally taking any prohibited substances. This scandal has cast a shadow over Mudryk’s future, creating complications at a crucial time in his career.