Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is now eligible to resume his playing career following the resolution of his doping case with the Football Association (FA). The Ukraine international, 25, had been provisionally suspended after an “adverse finding” for meldonium, a banned substance.
Mudryk has not participated in a competitive match since November 2024. He was initially given a four-year ban by the FA, a decision he subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The FA confirmed that the anti-doping disciplinary proceedings have concluded, allowing Mudryk to return to competition immediately after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equivalent to the time already served.
Case Resolution and Return to Play
The FA’s statement on Friday confirmed that Mudryk’s out-of-competition test during international duty with Ukraine in October 2024 showed a “low concentration” of meldonium. He was charged by the FA in June 2025 and received a four-year suspension in January, which became public in April when he appealed to CAS.
Changes have since been implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regarding its technical document on meldonium. The FA noted that these changes are not retroactive, but if Mudryk’s test had been conducted under current guidelines, the concentration of meldonium would not have been reported, and no adverse finding would have been recorded. With WADA’s agreement, Mudryk and the FA have resolved the proceedings, enabling his immediate return to all forms of competition.
Mudryk expressed his gratitude for being able to return to playing, describing the period as the “most difficult” of his career. He maintained that he never knowingly or intentionally took any banned substance. Chelsea stated their pleasure that the matter has concluded, allowing him to return to football immediately. The club emphasised their continuous support for Mudryk throughout the process, while respecting the anti-doping system and legal procedures.
Chelsea also highlighted that advancements in testing mean that under current guidelines, no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted from Mudryk’s sample. This is considered an important aspect of the agreed resolution, allowing all parties to move forward. Mudryk is expected to join the club’s pre-season tour.
Looking Ahead for Mudryk
Sources close to Mudryk indicate his confidence in regaining his top form, citing his dedication to maintaining fitness during his 20-month absence. They also acknowledged the support provided by Chelsea, despite the restrictions imposed by his suspension. During his ban, Mudryk was unable to access Chelsea’s training ground or work with club staff.
To stay fit, Mudryk financed private coaching and hired goalkeepers for individual training sessions, utilising a pitch at non-league club Uxbridge FC in London. He also organised a training camp in Austria. While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Mudryk is reportedly realistic about his reintegration but believes he can overcome it.
Chelsea signed Mudryk for £88m from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. He had made 73 appearances and scored nine goals for the club before his suspension. His contract with Chelsea runs until 2031, part of the club’s strategy to amortise transfer costs over an extended period.
The club is prepared to facilitate his return to professional football, with options including reintegration into the first team, a loan move potentially involving sister club Strasbourg, or a permanent transfer. The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for Mudryk, offering him the opportunity to restart his career. The anti-doping disciplinary proceedings against Mykhailo Mudryk were resolved with the agreement of WADA on 30 July 2026.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”