Chelsea: Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to play after doping ban (official)

Sidelined since December 2024, Mykhailo Mudryk can now resume his career and is expected to rejoin the Chelsea squad swiftly.

The nightmare is finally over for Mykhailo Mudryk. The Chelsea winger had been provisionally suspended on December 4, 2024, after a low concentration of meldonium was detected in an out-of-competition sample taken on October 22. He was initially handed a four-year ban before appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Ukrainian international ultimately served 603 days of suspension—a year, seven months, and 26 days. However, he was not legally exonerated: as part of the agreement, he acknowledged the violations and accepted a sanction equal to the time already served.

Mudryk cleared for immediate return

The FA, Mudryk, and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved the appeal procedure on July 30, 2026. A revision to WADA’s technical document means that the concentration detected in his sample would not be flagged today and would not constitute a violation. As this change is not retroactive, a settlement allowed his suspension to be reduced to time already served.

A potential early return for Mykhailo Mudryk had already been discussed in recent months. The 25-year-old is now expected to join the Blues’ pre-season camp. His last Premier League appearance dates back to November 2024. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for €70 million plus €30 million in potential bonuses, Mudryk has made 73 appearances and scored ten goals for Chelsea.

Mudryk reacts to lifting of suspension

“After a long battle, the four-year ban imposed on me has been overturned,” Mudryk said, delighted to immediately resume his career. The Ukrainian maintains that he “never knowingly or intentionally took a prohibited substance.”

The winger also thanked his family, friends, teammates, Chelsea supporters, and his legal team. His goal now is to regain fitness, gradually reintegrate with the squad, and contribute to the success of both his club and the Ukrainian national team.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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