Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to return to play after doping ban lifted

By Reuben Castle — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Resolution of Anti-Doping Proceedings

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is now eligible to return to competitive action immediately following the resolution of anti-doping disciplinary proceedings. An agreement was reached between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Football Association (FA) on 30 July 2026. This development means Mudryk’s period of ineligibility has concluded, allowing him to resume his career.

The proceedings stemmed from an out-of-competition doping control on 22 October 2024, which detected a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance. The FA informed Mudryk of this finding on 4 December 2024 and subsequently imposed a provisional suspension. On 23 May 2025, the FA formally charged Mudryk with Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under Regulations 3 and 4 of its 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations.

A hearing before an independent Regulatory Commission took place from 7 to 9 January 2026. The commission determined that Mudryk had committed the charged ADRVs and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility. Mudryk then filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge this decision.

Changes in Scientific Guidance and Agreement

A significant factor in the resolution was the recent changes made to the WADA Technical Document (TD2027MRL). Although these changes are not retroactive, they indicate that if Mudryk’s sample were collected today, the concentration of meldonium found would not have been reported, and no ADRVs would have resulted. This scientific update, alongside other circumstances of the case, led to the agreement.

With WADA’s consent, the FA and Mudryk resolved the appeal proceedings in accordance with Article 10.8.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code and Regulation 90 of the 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations. As part of this agreement, Mudryk accepted that he had committed the ADRVs and agreed to a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served. This means he is no longer ineligible and can return to competition immediately.

Mudryk expressed his gratitude for the conclusion of the process, stating that the four-year ban imposed on him had been rescinded. He maintained that he had never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance and described the period as the most challenging of his career. He thanked his family, friends, legal team, and everyone at Chelsea FC, including his teammates and supporters, for their belief and support.

Chelsea’s Support and Future Plans

Chelsea FC released a statement expressing their satisfaction with the resolution, which allows Mudryk to return to football immediately. The club affirmed its consistent support for Mudryk throughout the process, while also respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and legal procedures. Chelsea highlighted the acknowledgement that current scientific reporting standards would not have reported Mudryk’s sample as positive, and no anti-doping rule violation would have occurred under today’s technical requirements.

The club emphasized that Mudryk has consistently asserted he never knowingly or intentionally used a prohibited substance and was unaware of how traces entered his system. Chelsea praised his professionalism and resilience during what they acknowledged was a difficult period. The club’s immediate focus is on supporting Mudryk’s reintegration into the squad and helping him resume his career. Mudryk is expected to join Xabi Alonso‘s team on their pre-season tour.

Mudryk, who is 25 years old, last represented Chelsea in November 2024. He joined the club in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal valued at €70million and remains under contract until 2031. He has made 73 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, scoring 10 goals. His return marks a significant moment for both the player and the club.

The resolution brings an end to a prolonged disciplinary process that began with the initial finding on 4 December 2024.

Source: thefa.com