Exclusive Sergei Palkin Interview: Shakhtar CEO Reveals Mykhailo Mudryk has Passed Lie Detector Test
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Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin and Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin says Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has passed a polygraph as he bids to clear his name from a doping ban sustained on international duty for Ukraine last November.
The winger is currently provisionally suspended by the FA after an A-sample returned positive for meldonium. He denies knowingly taking a banned substance, but athletes are strictly liable for anything ingested, unless they can prove sabotage or a flaw in testing protocol. Mudryk faces a ban of up to four years if found guilty.
Mudryk made 44 appearances for Shakhtar between 2018 and 2023, scoring 12 goals, before joining Chelsea in January 2023 for €70m, plus a further €30m in add-ons. Shakhtar could lose those bonuses if Mudryk doesn’t play for Chelsea again.
“I have spoken to Mudryk many times since this doping issue arose,” said Palkin, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT. “He doesn’t understand how it could have happened. He has no clue. No idea at all.
“So his lawyers organised for him to take a lie detector test, which he passed. It will form part of the evidence showing he didn’t intentionally do anything wrong.
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“Mudryk has been clear, it’s not his fault that he tested positive. We now need to find out how this has happened, and who did this. His lawyers are trying to find out.
“There are still no results from the B-sample, so that remains open. Nobody knows what’s happened. I wish Mudryk all the best. He’s a top professional and a very good person. He should be protected.
“Shakhtar also has a vested interest. There are bonuses from his move to Chelsea linked to his performances. If he’s not playing, it causes problems for us because we could potentially lose €30m. So Shakhtar, Chelsea and Mudryk, we are in one boat. We all support Mudryk, and hope he is allowed to continue playing football soon.”
Funds from Mudryk Deal Donated During War
Agreement also enabled Shakhtar to avoid breaching guidelines
Back in January 2023, Mudryk was paraded at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace draped in a Ukrainian flag, with Palkin and Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna also both present in west London. It was a symbolic unveiling – a high-profile signing for all of Ukraine to celebrate.
Mudryk’s move directly benefited thousands of Ukrainian victims of the war with Russia because Shakhtar owner Rinat Akhmetov donated a large portion of the funds to humanitarian causes.
“Rinat Akhmetov gave €25m from the Mudryk sale to support our defence against Russia and provide aid to Ukrainians,” added Palkin. “He is in love with our club and our country. Since the beginning of the war in 2022, Mr. Akhmetov has donated over €315m, which is the largest amount among all private Ukrainian companies or individuals. Mr. Akhmetov sets the tone, and under his leadership we are all one family, and will fight until the
The rest of the Mudryk fee was also vital to safeguard Shakhtar’s future. Shakhtar have suffered financial hardships as a result of the war. They have been forced to pay off around €40m in debt to comply with Financial Fair Play and ultimately avoid a ban from European competition. And all while at the same time losing foreign players for free after FIFA suspended player and coaching contracts in Ukraine in 2022 via an ‘Annex 7’ clause written into their bylines.
“Selling Mudryk to Chelsea was a crucial deal for us,” said Palkin. “Without the Mudryk fee, I don’t understand how we would have settled many, many, many issues.
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