Mudryk Cleared to Return to Chelsea Immediately as FA Doping Case Is Resolved
Mykhailo Mudryk can play for Chelsea again with immediate effect after the FA, WADA and the winger reached an agreement that closes a doping case stretching back to October 2024, one that a shift in anti-doping science helped bring to an end.
The original finding
Mudryk was subject to an out-of-competition doping control on October 22, 2024, while on international duty with Ukraine. The test revealed a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited cardiovascular medication that can increase respiratory capacity and stamina. The FA notified him of the finding on December 4, 2024 and imposed a provisional suspension, before formally charging him with anti-doping rule violations on May 23, 2025.
Four-year ban, then an appeal
An independent Regulatory Commission heard the case from January 7-9, 2026, found that Mudryk had committed the violations, and imposed the maximum four-year period of ineligibility. Mudryk, who has always denied knowingly using a banned substance, appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The science shifted
While the appeal was ongoing, WADA updated its technical document governing reporting thresholds for meldonium. The change isn't retroactive, but the FA has confirmed that if Mudryk's sample were collected today, the concentration found in 2024 would not even have been reported as a violation.
Resolution
With WADA's agreement, the FA and Mudryk settled the appeal on July 30, 2026, under Article 10.8.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code. Mudryk accepted that he had committed the violations and accepted a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served. He is no longer ineligible and can return to competition with immediate effect, roughly 20 months after he was first suspended.
Mudryk and Chelsea react
Mudryk said he was grateful to be able to return after "the most difficult period" of his career, thanking everyone at Chelsea and saying he's looking forward to the next chapter. Chelsea said they're looking forward to helping him return to full fitness, back into the squad and back onto the pitch, with the winger set to rejoin the squad for pre-season training.
July 2026.