Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to return as Chelsea Welcome Winger Back

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to return to action after his doping case was resolved, bringing an end to a chapter that has kept him out of competitive football since late 2024.

The Football Association (FA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Mudryk reached an agreement during his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), allowing the Ukrainian international to resume his career with immediate effect.

Mudryk had initially received a four-year ban after testing positive for meldonium in October 2024. However, the sanction was effectively reduced to the period he had already served following changes to WADA’s technical guidance.

Under the current standards, the concentration of meldonium found in his sample would no longer be considered a doping violation.

Although the settlement allows him to return, Mudryk accepted that he had committed anti-doping rule violations as part of the agreement. Throughout the process, however, he maintained that he had never knowingly taken a banned substance.

Reacting to the decision, the 25-year-old expressed relief that the case had finally come to an end.

“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded, and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect.”

He added:

“This has been the most difficult period of my career. As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”

Chelsea also welcomed the outcome, reaffirming their support for the winger.

“Chelsea Football Club is pleased that this matter has now reached a conclusion which allows Mykhailo to return to football with immediate effect.”

Mudryk is now expected to rejoin Chelsea’s first-team squad as preparations continue for the new Premier League season. His return also gives manager Xabi Alonso another attacking option after nearly two years away from competitive football.