Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is immediately available to resume playing after the resolution of his doping case with the Football Association. The Ukraine international had been provisionally suspended since November 2024, following an “adverse finding” for the banned substance meldonium.
Mudryk, who is 25, has not participated in a competitive match since his provisional suspension. He was initially handed a four-year ban by the FA, a decision he subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Resolution of the Doping Case
The FA confirmed that the anti-doping disciplinary proceedings with Mudryk have been resolved. He can return to competition with immediate effect after accepting that he broke anti-doping rules and agreeing to a suspension equivalent to the time already served. 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.
The FA had not previously disclosed details of the case due to the confidential nature of its anti-doping programme. However, a statement on July 31, 2026, confirmed that Mudryk’s out-of-competition test, conducted during international duty with Ukraine in October 2024, showed an adverse finding for meldonium. Meldonium is a substance known to potentially enhance respiratory capacity and stamina.
Mudryk was charged by the FA in June 2025 and received a four-year suspension in January 2026. This ban became public in April 2026 when he appealed to Cas. The FA noted that the test revealed a “low concentration” of the prohibited cardiovascular medication. Changes have since been implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) regarding its technical document for meldonium.
While these changes are not retroactive, the FA indicated that if Mudryk’s test were conducted today, the concentration of meldonium in his sample would not have been reported, and no adverse finding would have been recorded. Through a separate case resolution agreement, Mudryk and the FA, with Wada’s consent, have resolved the proceedings, allowing him to return to all forms of competition.
Chelsea’s Support and Mudryk’s Return
Chelsea stated they are pleased with the conclusion of the matter, which permits Mudryk’s immediate return to football. The club affirmed its continuous support for Mudryk throughout the process, while respecting the integrity of 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, enabling all parties to move forward.
Mudryk remains under contract with Chelsea until 2031, having signed a long-term deal when he joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022 for £61m. This transfer was part of the club’s strategy to amortise the cost of transfers and contracts. Had the four-year ban remained in effect, Mudryk would have been unable to play until approximately December 2028.
Sources close to Mudryk indicate his confidence in regaining his best form, citing his efforts to maintain fitness during his 20 months on the sidelines. They also pointed to the support provided by Chelsea, even as they adhered to the restrictions of his suspension. During his suspension, Mudryk was unable to access Chelsea’s training ground or work with club staff. He maintained his fitness by paying for private coaching, hiring goalkeepers for individual sessions, and utilizing a pitch at non-league club Uxbridge FC in London. He also organized a training camp in Austria.
Despite these efforts, those close to Mudryk acknowledge that daily training and competition with elite players are irreplaceable. Mudryk is reportedly realistic about the challenges ahead but believes he can overcome them. Chelsea is prepared to facilitate his return to professional football, with potential options including reintegration into the first team, a loan move, possibly to sister club Strasbourg, or a permanent transfer. The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for Mudryk, offering him the chance to restart his career.
The FA confirmed the agreement with Wada on July 30, 2026.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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