Yasin Patel and Jibreel Tramboo comment on the implications of footballer Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test, in BBC Sport and The Athletic

Yasin Patel and Jibreel Tramboo have provided comment in BBC Sport and The New York Times’ The Athletic on the provisional suspension of Chelsea footballer Mykhailo Mudryk, following a positive drugs test.

Commenting on the circumstances around the drugs test, Yasin noted: “Mudryk’s failed drugs test should not be automatically accepted as proof of someone who has knowingly taken drugs. There have been many instances where a second test has proven that the first test has been wrong, or erroneous.

“This could include the conditions where the sample has been stored or transported to the laboratory. There could have also been an error in the testing, and the sample having been tampered with knowingly – or unknowingly.

“In addition, there have been instances where samples have been altered due to the conditions in which they have been taken not being sterile.

“As Mudryk has stated, he did not knowingly take anything he should not have, and so it remains to be seen what the further tests and investigations can reveal.”

Drawing comparisons with previous instances of doping in football, Jibreel commented: “If we look at what happened with Paul Pogba, his violation and the consequences that followed, that was a lengthy ban. I understand the circumstances are different but the point still follows.

“Anti-doping regulations are a strict liability offence. Athletes are fully responsible for substances found in their bodies. It’s irrelevant if it’s accidental or intentional. If it’s there, it’s a breach. You could argue a reduced sanction if he can demonstrate no significant fault or negligence in what he’s taken but there is arguably no defence.”

Yasin’s and Jibreel’s comments were published in BBC Sport and The Athletic, 17 December 2024.