The Longest Doping Bans in Football History – Will Mykhailo Mudryk Join the List?
Football has seen its fair share of doping scandals, with some players receiving lengthy bans that derail their careers. As Mykhailo Mudryk awaits his fate following a potential doping violation, we look back at the longest suspensions ever handed out in the sport.
1. Abelardo Fernández (Spain) – 2 Years (2002)
The former Barcelona defender tested positive for nandrolone while playing for Alavés. Despite claiming innocence, he received a two-year ban, effectively ending his career at the top level.
2. Adrian Mutu (Romania) – 7 Months (2004, Later Extended)
Mutu’s initial ban for cocaine use was seven months, but Chelsea terminated his contract, and FIFA later imposed an additional 9-month suspension. He also faced a £15 million legal battle over breach of contract.
3. Paddy Kenny (Sheffield United) – 9 Months (2009)
The goalkeeper was banned after testing positive for ephedrine, which he claimed was from an over-the-counter cough medicine. His ban was reduced from two years on appeal.
4. Kolo Touré (Manchester City) – 6 Months (2011)
The Ivorian defender took his wife’s diet pills, which contained a banned substance. He received a reduced ban after proving he didn’t intend to cheat.
5. Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool) – 1 Month (2016, Overturned)
Sakho was initially suspended for a fat-burning substance, but UEFA later cleared him due to insufficient evidence. Still, the controversy cost him a place in Liverpool’s Europa League final squad.
6. Papa Bouba Diop (Senegal) – 6 Months (2003)
The Fulham midfielder tested positive for a banned stimulant but claimed it was from medication. His ban was reduced from two years.
The Most Severe Cases
While most bans are under a year, some players have faced harsher penalties:
- Johan Mjällby (Sweden) – 8 Months (2001) – Nandrolone violation.
- Mark Bosnich (Chelsea) – 9 Months (2002) – Cocaine use.
- Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) – 8 Months (2003) – Missed a drug test, leading to one of the most high-profile bans in Premier League history.
Will Mykhailo Mudryk Face a Lengthy Ban?
As the Chelsea winger awaits the outcome of his case, history suggests that unintentional violations (like Touré’s) may result in shorter bans, while deliberate doping could lead to multi-year suspensions.
Final Thoughts
Doping bans have ended careers and tarnished reputations. While some players recover, others never return to their former glory. Mudryk’s case will be closely watched—will he escape with a warning, or join football’s list of longest doping bans?
What do you think? Should doping punishments be stricter? Let us know in the comments!