So... Does Mudryk Get a Medal Even Though He Can't Actually Play?

By Lewis Barnett 28 May, 2025 5 mins read 96 Views

God, what a mess this whole situation is.

Mykhailo Mudryk showed up in Wroclaw this week like some kind of ghost at a family reunion - technically part of the group, but everyone's wondering what the hell he's doing there. The guy's been banned since December after failing a drug test, and now Chelsea's about to play Real Betis in the Conference League final tonight. His manager didn't even know he was coming. Awkward doesn't begin to cover it.

I've been covering football for eight years now, and I've never seen anything quite like this. Here's a player who cost Chelsea £88million, can't train with his teammates, can't play... but might still walk away with a winner's medal if the Blues pull it off tonight.

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The Short Answer (Because I Know You're Impatient)

Yes, Mudryk will get a medal. Winner's or runner-up, doesn't matter - UEFA's rules are pretty clear on this one.

Since the Ukrainian played five games in the competition earlier this season (and actually looked decent, scoring three goals with four assists), he's technically eligible for whatever medal Chelsea earns tonight. It's not about whether he's currently banned or sitting in some Polish restaurant posting selfies with fans. The man put in the work when it counted.

But Here's Where It Gets Weird...

Nobody knows if he'll actually be on the pitch to receive it. Think about the optics for a second - you've got this massive celebration, confetti falling, players jumping around... and then what? Do they hand a medal to the guy who's been suspended for a failed drug test? My editor and I were debating this yesterday, and honestly, it's a PR nightmare either way.

Chelsea could easily give him the medal privately later. Probably the smart move, if you ask me.

The whole thing reminds me of when my cousin got kicked out of his fraternity but still technically graduated with his class. Sure, he earned the degree, but nobody wanted him at the ceremony.

What Actually Happened to This Guy?

Back in early December, Mudryk tested positive for Meldonium - which sounds like something you'd take for a headache but is apparently a banned substance. His last game was a 2-0 win against Heidenheim on November 28, where he scored what might be his final goal for Chelsea for a very long time.

The kid insists he never knowingly took anything illegal. Maybe that's true, maybe it isn't. What I do know is that if he's found guilty, this provisional ban could turn into something much longer and much more career-ending.

Poor Enzo Maresca didn't even know Mudryk was in town until reporters started asking about it. His response was priceless: "He is here? I don't know. I am happy for Mischa to be here." You could practically hear the confusion in his voice.

The $88 Million Question

Chelsea signed this guy in January 2023 with an eight-and-a-half-year contract running until 2031. That's a massive commitment for someone who might not play again anytime soon.

I keep thinking about how surreal it must be for Mudryk right now. He's 24 years old, should be in his prime, and instead he's wandering around Wroclaw in Chelsea gear while his teammates prepare for a European final without him. That's gotta mess with your head.

Tonight's match kicks off, and somewhere in the stands (or maybe back at his hotel, who knows), Mudryk will be watching his team fight for a trophy he helped them reach but can't help them win.

Whether Chelsea beats Real Betis or not, this whole situation just feels... wrong somehow. But hey, at least he'll get a medal out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets the Premier League apart from other European soccer leagues?

The Premier League is distinguished from other European leagues by several factors, including its global appeal, financial strength, and competitive depth. The league has a vast international audience and lucrative television rights deals. Premier League games are also unpredictable. Lower-ranked teams may have a chance to beat top sides on any given gameday. The intensity of the stadium atmosphere and the fast pace of the game also contribute to its unique identity.

What happens to the teams that finish at the bottom of the Premier League?

At the conclusion of every Premier League season, those teams that finish at the bottom of the table in the league are relegated from the Premier League to the Championship. The Championship's top two teams, plus the winner from the Championship playoffs get promoted in their place.

What is the function of the video assistant referee (VAR), in the Premier League?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is utilized in the Premier League to aid on-field referees in making the correct decisions regarding goals, penalty decisions, direct red card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The VAR reviews footage of the incident in question and advises the referee, who then has the option to view a replay on the pitchside monitor before making the final decision. The system is intended to minimize human mistakes that could affect the outcome a match.

What is the Premier League?

Premier League is a top-tier English football league. It's also one of most popular and highly competitive domestic leagues. It is contested by 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League (EFL). Each team competes annually. They play 38 matches (home or away) and the season runs typically from August through May. The Premier League has a global following and is known for high-quality football.

What is the meaning of the "Big Six" in Premier League?

The 'Big Six’ refers a grouping of Premier League's most influential and successful clubs over the past few years. The list typically includes Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams are known for consistently performing at a high level, having a substantial fan base, financial prowess, and frequently qualifying for European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.

Statistics

The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Petr Čech set a remarkable defensive record during the 2004-2005 season with 24 clean sheets, the most by a goalkeeper in a single Premier League season.
Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
Durability is exemplified by Gareth Barry who made an impressive 653 Premier League appearances, the highest number to date.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.

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How To

Learn Premier League Chants.

The atmosphere of a Premier League matchday is dominated by chants and songs. For a better understanding of them, pay close attention to the crowd and the supporters, especially the ones from the home team. Many websites or forums of fans have the lyrics to chants. YouTube has many videos that are dedicated to football chants. Join local fan clubs to learn the chants and sing them together. It will make your match-going experience more enjoyable and give you a better understanding of the club culture.