Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to return to football after doping case resolved

By Evelyn Mensah — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is now eligible to resume playing immediately after his doping case with the Football Association (FA) was resolved. The Ukraine international, aged 25, had not participated in a competitive match since November 2024.

Mudryk had been provisionally suspended following an “adverse finding” for meldonium, a banned substance. Initially, he received a four-year ban from the FA, a decision which 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 concluded. He can now return to competition with immediate effect after accepting that he had committed anti-doping rule violations and agreeing to a suspension equivalent to the time he had already served.

Mudryk expressed his gratitude for being able to return to play, describing the period as the “most difficult” of his career. He reiterated his stance that he had never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.

The FA’s statement on Friday confirmed that Mudryk’s adverse finding for meldonium, a substance known to enhance respiratory capacity and stamina, occurred during an out-of-competition test while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.

He was charged by the FA in June 2025, and a four-year suspension was issued in January. This information became public in April after he lodged his appeal with Cas.

The FA noted that the test revealed a “low concentration” of the prohibited cardiovascular medication. They also highlighted subsequent changes made to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) technical document concerning meldonium.

While these changes are not retroactive, the FA stated that had Mudryk’s test been conducted under current guidelines, 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, enabling his immediate return to all forms of competition.

Chelsea’s Support and Mudryk’s Future

Chelsea welcomed the resolution, stating they are pleased the matter has concluded, allowing Mudryk to return to football immediately. The club affirmed their continuous support for Mudryk throughout the process, while respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and legal procedures.

The club also drew attention to the advancements in testing standards, which mean that under current technical requirements, Mudryk’s sample would not have been classified as a positive test. Chelsea views this as a crucial aspect of the agreed resolution, allowing 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 2023. This signing was part of the club’s strategy to amortise transfer costs and contracts.

Sources close to Mudryk indicate his confidence in regaining his best form, citing his dedication to maintaining fitness during his 20 months away from competitive play. They also acknowledged the support provided by Chelsea, despite the restrictions imposed by his suspension.

During his suspension, Mudryk was unable to access Chelsea’s training ground or work with club staff. To maintain his fitness, he reportedly engaged private coaching and hired goalkeepers for individual sessions, utilising a pitch at non-league club Uxbridge FC in London. He also organised a training camp in Austria.

Chelsea is prepared to facilitate Mudryk’s return to professional football. The specifics of his reintegration, whether through a return to the first team, a loan move, potentially involving sister club Strasbourg, or a permanent transfer, are yet to be determined.

The resolution marks a significant moment for Mudryk, offering him the chance to resume his career. His story at Stamford Bridge, which began with a closely watched transfer in 2023, is set to continue.