Mykhailo Modric's mother has said the Chelsea winger is being targeted by people seeking to “tarnish” his “reputation”.
The striker, who said he was in “complete shock” after he was provisionally suspended by the Football Association as part of his announcement on December 17 that he had provided a “negative result in a routine urine test”, is said to have been detained. Supported by Inna Mudryk in a message on Instagram.
“Misha worked all his life to become a footballer.” Tribuna Inna Modric was quoted as telling her followers. “No one will ever be able to change this, no matter how hard they try to discredit Misha.”
Club statement: Mykhailo Modric.
– Chelsea (@ChelseaFC) December 17, 2024
Mykhailo Modric temporarily suspended
FA guidelines allow players to be temporarily suspended from football after a positive test, with penalties for intentional use of banned substances of up to four years under FIFA rules.
On the day of the announcement, Chelsea confirmed they were aware of the test and were working with Modric to determine the cause of the result.
“This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened,” Modric wrote on Instagram at the time.
He added: “I know I didn't do anything wrong, and I still hope to be back on the field soon.”
Modric Chelsea statistics
Modric has not played for Chelsea since November 28 and missed five consecutive matches before the news was announced, and Blues coach Enzo Maresca explained that the Ukrainian international player was ill.
The 23-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89 million in 2023.
He scored seven goals in 41 appearances in 2023/24, while this season he has produced three goals and five in 15 appearances, although none of his direct goal involvements have been in the Premier League.
Chelsea have drawn 0-0 with Everton and lost 2-1 at home to Fulham since Modric's temporary suspension began.
Marisca's team occupies third place in the standings, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, before its trip to second-placed Ipswich Town on Monday (7.45 pm GMT).