Mykhailo Mudryk, a Chelsea winger, is ready to return to action immediately after his doping case with the Football Association was resolved.
The Ukrainian international has not played a competitive match since November 2024, when he was provisionally suspended for an “adverse finding” of the banned substance meldonium.
The FA then imposed a maximum four-year suspension on him, but he filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The FA announced that Mudryk’s anti-doping disciplinary processes have been settled, and he can return to competition “with immediate effect” after admitting to violating anti-doping regulations and agreeing to a penalty equal to time served.
Mudryk said he was “grateful” to be allowed to return to play after “the most difficult period” of his career.
He added: “As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”
Chelsea stated that they are excited to assist Mudryk in “returning to full fitness, back into the squad, and back onto the pitch” and that he will participate in the club’s pre-season tour.
Mudryk expressed “deep gratitude” to everyone at Chelsea and looks forward to the “next chapter” of his career.
Chelsea punished but spared a suspended points deduction.
The FA has never previously published facts about the case because its anti-doping policy is considered extremely secret.
However, their statement on Friday verified Mudryk’s negative result for meldonium, which can boost respiratory capacity and stamina, in an out-of-competition test on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.
The FA charged him in June 2025 and sentenced him to a four-year suspension in January, which was revealed in April when he filed an appeal with CAS.
The FA stated that the test showed “a low concentration” of the forbidden cardiovascular medicine.
It also stated that revisions had been made to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (Wada) technical manual on meldonium.
The FA stated that the adjustments are “not retroactive,” but added that if Mudryk’s test had been performed today, “the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported,” and no unfavorable finding would have been recorded.
Mudryk and the FA have resolved the appeal proceedings, with Wada’s approval, allowing him to return.
What have Chelsea said?
Mudryk is still under contract with Chelsea until 2031, having signed a long-term deal when he arrived for £61 million from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022 as part of the club’s intention to amortize transfer and contract costs.
Mudryk’s four-year ban would have prevented him from playing again until around December 2028.
Chelsea said the club is “pleased that the matter has now reached a conclusion which allows him to return to football with immediate effect”.
They added: “We have always supported Misha throughout this process while fully respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and the legal process.”
The Blues also highlighted advancements in testing that mean “no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted” from Mudryk’s sample under current rules, stating that it is “an important part of the context surrounding the agreed resolution and allows everyone involved to move forward”.
According to sources close to Mudryk, he is confident in his ability to return to his greatest form, emphasizing the effort he has made to maintain his health throughout his 20-month absence.
They also highlight Chelsea’s support throughout the process, while sticking to the limitations set by his suspension and respecting the legal processes.
The Ukrainian received remote support from the club while also being allowed the freedom to navigate what many close to him describe as a very tough moment.
Mudryk was unable to access Chelsea’s training ground or work with club staff during his suspension. His sole recorded public engagement with first-team players occurred during the Conference League final celebrations in May 2025.
To stay fit, Mudryk paid for private instruction and hired goalkeepers for individual practices on the pitch at non-league club Uxbridge FC in London.
He also organized a training camp in Austria, and footage from the sessions shows him scoring goals and participating in attacking drills.
However, those close to Mudryk recognize that there is no substitute for daily training and competition with elite players. Mudryk is known to be realistic about the challenges that lie ahead, but he feels he can conquer them.
Chelsea are willing to provide a road back into professional football. It is unclear whether this will include reintegration into the first squad, a loan move (perhaps including sister club Strasbourg), or a permanent transfer.
Whatever the outcome, the case’s resolution is important for Mudryk. He now has the opportunity to resume his career and plan the next phase.
After joining Chelsea in one of the most eagerly watched transfer saga as of 2023, his career at Stamford Bridge is far from over yet.