Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to competitive football with immediate effect. The 25-year-old Ukrainian international, who faced a career-threatening four-year suspension, is set to board a flight to join Chelsea’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong.
After nearly 20 months on the sidelines, the Football Association (FA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and Mudryk’s legal team formally resolved appeal proceedings at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Mudryk was originally provisionally suspended in late 2024 after returning an out-of-competition sample that tested positive for low concentrations of meldonium. However, key operational updates within WADA’s technical guidelines ultimately paved the path for his exoneration.
However, the resolution came down to evolving anti-doping science rather than a standard court acquittal.
Revisions to WADA’s Technical Document (TD2027MRL) mean that the trace amounts found in Mudryk’s original sample would not trigger an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) if collected under current rules and following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the FA, WADA, and Mudryk agreed to cap his ineligibility to time already served.
“If Mr. Mudryk’s sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported and no ADRVs would have resulted.” Official Statement from The Football Association.
With his ban lifted, Chelsea confirmed their full support for Mudryk as he transitions back into the squad. Having not featured for the Blues since November 2024, the electric winger will fly into Hong Kong to integrate with the team for pre-season preparation.
