Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being hit with a maximum four-year ban for a doping violation. The Ukraine international has been out of action for nearly 18 months following an adverse finding in a routine test, a situation that sent shock waves through Stamford Bridge. The maximum penalty imposed by the FA The Football Association has handed Mudryk a four-year suspension, the maximum penalty available, following a long-running investigation into a failed drugs test. The 25-year-old was initially sidelined in December 2024 after an "adverse finding in a routine urine test" led to a provisional suspension, and he was officially charged in June 2025. While the FA has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific details of the case throughout the process, the severity of the sanction has now been confirmed. Under current rules, the ban is expected to be backdated to the start of his provisional absence, which would effectively prevent the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger from returning to professional football until December 2028. Mudryk takes the fight to CAS In a bid to salvage his career, Mudryk has taken his case to the highest legal authority in sport. A spokesperson for CAS spoke to BBC Sport to confirm the receipt of the appeal, stating: "CAS confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026. The Parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled." The controversy is understood to center around meldonium, a cardiovascular medication that can aid respiratory capacity and stamina. It is reported that Mudryk came into contact with the substance while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024. Sources close to the player remain optimistic that the appeal could see his ban significantly reduced, potentially allowing him to return to the pitch as early as next season. Maintaining innocence and training in exile Throughout the ordeal, Mudryk has maintained that he is not a intentional doper. In his only public statement since the suspension began, the winger expressed his disbelief at the situation. At the time, he said he was in "complete shock" and added that he had "never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules." Despite being unable to play for Chelsea since a Conference League clash against Heidenheim in November 2024, Mudryk is determined to stay sharp. Chelsea and FA remain silent Chelsea, who paid an initial 70 million (61m) to bring the player to London in January 2023, have opted not to release a formal comment while the legal process continues. The club is reportedly waiting for the final verdict from CAS before deciding on their next steps regarding the player's long-term future at Stamford Bridge. The FA has similarly declined to comment on the ongoing case. As Mudryk enters this critical legal battle, the eyes of the football world will be on Switzerland to see if one of the Premier League's most expensive signings can clear his name or if his time at the top level is effectively over.

Mumbai Indians are struggling in IPL 2026 after losing six of their first eight matches.

A rundown of the rookie contracts for the first-round picks of the 2026 class

Report Milan want Gabriel Jesus from ArsenalMilan are reportedly going to pursue Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus for next season, having already tried several times to sign him in the past.It is no secret that the Rossoneri are in dire need of a new centre-forward, as Santiago Gimenez and Niclas Fullkrug are often left on the bench while Rafael Leao is pushed into a role that doesnt suit him.Max Allegri had a three-hour meeting with Milan directors this evening to discuss their transfer strategy for next season and that includes finding a hitman.Gabriel Jesus back on Milan radarMILAN, ITALY JANUARY 20: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)According to Sky Sport Italia transfer pundit Gianluca Di Marzio, the latest name for their list is Gabriel Jesus.It is hardly the first time that the Brazilian has been linked with the Rossoneri, as he had also been targeted last summer and again in January.The 29-year-old is only under contract with Arsenal until June 2027, so considering he was purchased for 52m from Manchester City in 2022, it is their last chance to sell.Gabriel Jesus made only 25 competitive appearances this season, scoring five goals with two assists.Curiously, two of those goals were in the Champions League against Milans bitter rivals Inter.He had a lengthy lay-off after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in January 2025, which kept him out for the best part of a whole year.

Diego Simeone has offered a definitive update on Julian Alvarez's fitness following a late injury scare during Atltico Madrid's Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal. The Argentine forward was forced off the pitch late in the 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, sparking fears he could miss the return leg in London next week. Simeone confident over Alvarez availability The Atlti hierarchy faced an anxious wait on Wednesday night after their star striker limped out of the action with just 13 minutes remaining. The World Cup winner appeared to catch his ankle during a challenge with Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze and was visibly distressed before being replaced. Despite the worrying scenes on the touchline, Simeone was quick to downplay the severity of the issue during his post-match media duties. "Well, knowing them, theyll definitely be there on Tuesday," the Atlti boss told reporters when asked about his mounting injury list. "I dont think there will be anyone that will not be playing on Tuesday." Atltico stars facing race against time Alvarez was not the only casualty on a bruising night in the Spanish capital, as the hosts count the cost of a physical encounter. Giuliano Simeone came off with a knock, while Alexander Sorloth didn't feature at all as he recovers from an injury issue. Simeone elaborated on the specific nature of the complaints, stating: "I suppose they might be feeling some physical discomfort now. Giuliano from a knock, Julian from the fall he had in the middle of the pitch and Sorloth with a hamstring strain, but I have no doubt theyll be there." Off-pitch drama surrounds semifinal tie The match itself was preceded by significant tension between the two camps regarding the condition of the playing surface. In what has been described as a 'grass war', Arsenal reportedly requested a formal UEFA inspection of the height of the grass just hours before kick-off, fearing Simeone's side were looking to slow down their passing game. The tactical battle continued on the field, where Viktor Gyokeres put the Gunners ahead from the penalty spot. Alvarez eventually leveled the scores with his own clinical spot-kick, though his evening ended prematurely following the collision with Eze. Second leg finely poised for London With the tie firmly on a knife-edge at 1-1, Atltico face a quick turnaround before they head to north London. They are scheduled to face Valencia in La Liga on Saturday, a game that will likely see Simeone rotate his squad to protect those carrying knocks. The priority remains ensuring that Alvarez, Giuliano, and Sorloth are at 100 percent for the return leg. As the Gunners prepare to host Atltico on a surface that Mikel Arteta hopes will be more conducive to his side's style, the fitness of Alvarez remains the biggest talking point. Should the 26-year-old be fit to start as Simeone predicts, he will remain the primary threat to Arsenal's hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.

Indian men's team has been drawn to face Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinal of the BWF Thomas Cup Finals after the knockout draw was made in Horsens on Thursday.

When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby? The annual Run for the Roses takes place Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs at 6:57 p.m. ET

Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game for the Orlando Magic in their NBA playoff series versus the Detroit Pistons.Wagner has been ruled out for Fridays Game 6 with a calf strain that also sidelined him for Game 5s 116-109 loss in Detroit, according to the NBAs injury report. The Magic take a 3-2 series lead in their first-round matchup with the Pistons and can close it out with a win.If Detroit was to force a Game 7 for Sunday, it appears unlikely that Wagner would be available for that contest, as well. If Orlando finishes the series, then the question becomes whether or not Wagner can play Game 1 of a second-round matchup. Without Wagner, the Pistons still had to fight for a seven-point win and needed 45 points from Cade Cunningham. Paolo Banchero made up for Wagners absence with 45 points of his own, but Orlando seemingly would have found a way to win with its second-leading scorer in the lineup. Wagner sustained his calf injury late in Mondays Game 4 win over Detroit that gave Orlando a 3-1 series lead. He was considered questionable on Tuesday, but clearly wasnt ready to go in time in Detroit.The fifth-year forward left in the second half of Mondays game with the injury. He spent time on a sideline exercise bike while he was considered questionable to return, but was ultimately limited to 24 minutes. Wagner told reporters after the game he was scheduled to have an MRI on Tuesday. The Magic went on to a 94-88 victory despite his injury.Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals during the first-round series. Hes been instrumental for the eighth-seeded Magic, who are one win away from an upset of the top-seeded Pistons in the first round. A high-ankle sprain limited Wagner to 34 games during the regular season. But he averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game when healthy.In addition to Wagner being out, Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) is listed as questionable for the Magic. Tobias Harris (left ankle sprain) and Kevin Huerter (left adductor strain) are also questionable for the Pistons. Huerter sat out Game 6.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more aboutSports Betting on FOX Sports. Game 6 brings pure playoff pressure as teams fight to survive and extend their season, with every possession carrying massive weight and no room left for mistakes. Dabble promo code FOX gives new users a $10 no deposit bonus when you sign up ahead of tonight's matchups. Boston enters with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to close things out, while Philadelphia is fighting to force a Game 7 behind Joel Embiid. Can the 76ers defend home court and push this series to the limit? In other matchups, the Knicks look to close out the Hawks with a 3-2 edge, while Minnesota can send Denver home with a win tonight in Minnesota. New users can claim a $10 no deposit bonus with Dabble Promo Code FOX when you sign up ahead of 76ers vs Celtics, making it a great entry point into a night filled with elimination drama and high-stakes playoff action. Dabble Fantasy How to Sign Up and Claim the Dabble Fantasy Promo Code Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game 6 Details Top Performers Last 10 Games Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game 6 Details Top Performers Last 10 Games New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 6 Details Top Performers Last 10 Games

Following the Mumbai Indians (MI) loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), former Indian cricketer Saba Karim hailed opener Ryan Rickelton's century.