Multiple Premier League players among NINE footballers ‘caught using banned substances’ since 2022

Premier League stars are among nine professional footballers who have tested positive for banned substances since 2022, but none have been banned, according to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) figures.

All nine were permitted to continue playing for their clubs after the Football Association accepted that the drugs were either taken for medical reasons or ‘via a permitted route.’

These cases do not include Chelsea‘s Mykhailo Mudryk, who was provisionally suspended in December 2024, or Paul Pogba, who received a four-year ban later reduced to 18 months. Both were subject to separate proceedings.

According to The Sun, four players tested positive in 2023 alone, including at least two from Premier League clubs, with two of those cases still under investigation. None of the nine players involved have been named.

Substances detected include Tamoxifen, Triamcinolone and Amphetamine, all of which are banned under anti-doping regulations.

Triamcinolone helps reduce weight without diminishing power output. Tamoxifen can aid muscle growth, while Amphetamine is known to boost endurance.

A UKAD spokesperson confirmed that a positive test does not automatically mean a doping offence has occurred, as players may be granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for medical reasons.

‘If a player with a legitimate medical condition needs to use a prohibited substance or method, they will need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE),’ the FA explains on its official website. ‘This is only accepted if there are no other suitable permitted medications or treatments that can be used, and there is a strict, detailed process to determine this.’

Mudryk, 24, tested positive for Meldonium while on international duty with Ukraine. He denies any wrongdoing but could face a four-year ban.

Former Manchester United midfielder Pogba tested positive for DHEA, a substance that increases testosterone levels, while playing for Juventus.

Initially handed a four-year suspension, Pogba had it reduced to 18 months following an appeal and was cleared to return to football in March 2025. However, Juventus had already terminated his contract in November 2024.

The rise in doping cases comes amid growing concern over substance abuse in English football. More than 500 players across all levels are currently being treated for addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling.

Last season alone, 80 professionals sought therapy for issues involving substances including cocaine, nitrous oxide, sleeping pills and alcohol. Some players are reportedly turning to black market Zopiclone to aid sleep, a drug that can be habit-forming.

Those nine players do not include Mykhailo Mudryk, who was suspended in December 2024

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has spoken openly about the issue, admitting: ‘It’s a topic that has been going under the radar.’

UKAD has also confirmed that two players, one in the Premier League and one in the EFL, tested positive for banned substances immediately after matches last season. Both cases remain confidential.

An FA spokesperson said: ‘We are fully compliant with the National Anti-Doping Policy of the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; fund one of world sport’s leading anti-doping programmes; and input into targeted, researched and intelligence-led drug testing that is directed by UK Anti-Doping.

‘We also operate our own dedicated social drugs programme to safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of footballers; and to uphold the values and ethics of the sport.’