Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is now able to return to playing immediately after the resolution of his doping case with the Football Association. The Ukraine international, aged 25, had not participated in a competitive match since November 2024.
Mudryk had faced a provisional suspension following an “adverse finding” for meldonium, a banned substance. He had initially received a four-year ban from the FA, a decision he subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Resolution of the Case
The FA confirmed that anti-doping disciplinary proceedings have concluded with Mudryk. He can return to competition “with immediate effect” after accepting a breach of anti-doping rules and agreeing to a suspension equivalent to the time he has already served.
Mudryk expressed his gratitude for being able to resume his career, describing the period as “the most difficult” he has faced. He maintained that he had “never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”
Chelsea stated their commitment to assisting Mudryk in his return to full fitness, reintegration into the squad, and presence on the pitch. He is set to join the club’s pre-season tour.
The FA had not previously disclosed details of the case due to the confidential nature of its anti-doping programme. However, a statement confirmed that Mudryk’s adverse finding for meldonium, which can enhance respiratory capacity and stamina, was detected in an out-of-competition test during international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.
Mudryk was charged by the FA in June 2025 and received a four-year suspension in January, which became public in April after his appeal to Cas. The FA noted that the test indicated “a low concentration” of the prohibited cardiovascular medication.
Changes have since been made to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) technical document concerning meldonium. The FA clarified that these changes are “not retroactive” but observed that if Mudryk’s test were conducted today, the meldonium concentration “would not have been reported,” and no adverse finding would have been recorded.
Mudryk and the FA have resolved the proceedings through a separate case resolution agreement, with Wada’s consent, allowing him to return to all forms of competition.
Club Support and Future Prospects
Chelsea expressed satisfaction that the matter has concluded, enabling Mudryk’s immediate return to football. The club affirmed their continuous support for Mudryk throughout the process, while respecting the anti-doping system’s integrity and legal procedures.
The club also highlighted that advancements in testing mean “no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted” from Mudryk’s sample under current guidelines. This is considered “an important part of the context surrounding the agreed resolution and allows everyone involved to move forward.”
Mudryk remains under contract with Chelsea until 2031, having joined for £61m from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022. Had the four-year ban remained, he would have been unable to play until approximately December 2028.
During his 20 months on the sidelines, Mudryk maintained his fitness through private coaching and by hiring goalkeepers for individual sessions at Uxbridge FC in London. He also organised a training camp in Austria.
Sources close to Mudryk indicate his confidence in regaining his best form, acknowledging the effort put into maintaining fitness. They also pointed to the support provided by Chelsea, despite restrictions imposed by his suspension.
The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for Mudryk, offering him the chance to restart his career. His story at Stamford Bridge, following his transfer in 2023, continues.
Source: bbc.co.uk