Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping ban lifted, Chelsea winger available to play

By Sam Whitlock — 31 July 2026 — 3 min read

Resolution of Anti-Doping Proceedings

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is now eligible to return to competitive football with immediate effect. This follows the resolution of anti-doping disciplinary proceedings against him, reached through an agreement between the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Football Association (FA) on 30 July 2026. The agreement means that the four-year ban initially imposed on Mudryk has been rescinded.

Mudryk had been subject to an out-of-competition doping control on 22 October 2024, which detected a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance. The FA informed Mudryk of this finding on 4 December 2024 and issued a provisional suspension. Subsequently, on 23 May 2025, the FA charged him with Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under Regulations 3 and 4 of its 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations.

A hearing before an independent Regulatory Commission took place from 7 to 9 January 2026. The commission determined that Mudryk had committed the charged ADRVs and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility. Mudryk then filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against this decision.

Changes in WADA Guidelines and Agreement

A significant development in the case was the introduction of changes to the WADA Technical Document (TD2027MRL). Although these changes are not retroactive, they indicate that if Mudryk’s sample were collected today, the concentration of meldonium found would not have been reported, and no ADRVs would have resulted. This new scientific guidance played a role in the subsequent resolution.

With WADA’s agreement, the FA and Mudryk resolved the appeal proceedings in accordance with Article 10.8.2 of the World Anti-Doping Code and Regulation 90 of the 2024 Anti-Doping Regulations. As part of this agreement, Mudryk accepted that he had committed the charged ADRVs and agreed to a period of ineligibility equivalent to the time he had already served.

Mudryk has not represented Chelsea since November 2024, following his suspension. He last played for the club in a 2-0 victory against Heidenheim in the Conference League on November 28, 2024, and was an unused substitute against Aston Villa on December 1. His subsequent absences from matchday squads were attributed to illness by then-head coach Enzo Maresca, before his provisional suspension was confirmed on December 17.

Meldonium, a heart disease medication, was added to WADA’s monitoring program in 2015 and became a prohibited substance in 2016 due to its potential to aid athlete recovery and enhance endurance. Mudryk consistently maintained that he never knowingly or intentionally used any banned substance and was unaware of how traces entered his system.

Player and Club Statements

Following the resolution, Mudryk expressed his gratitude, stating that the four-year ban had been rescinded and he was free to resume his career. He described the period as the most difficult of his career, reiterating that he had never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. He thanked his family, friends, legal team, and everyone at Chelsea FC, including his teammates and supporters, for their belief and support throughout the process. His focus is now on returning to football, working diligently, and contributing positively on the pitch.

Chelsea also released a statement, expressing pleasure that the matter had concluded, allowing Mudryk to return to football immediately. The club affirmed its consistent support for Mudryk throughout the process, while also respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system. They acknowledged that current scientific reporting standards would not have flagged Mudryk’s sample as positive, which was an important factor in the agreed resolution.

The club’s statement highlighted that Mudryk had conducted himself professionally and with resilience during what was a challenging period. Chelsea joined Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth €70million, with a contract extending until 2031. He has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions for the Blues. Mudryk is now expected to join Xabi Alonso’s team on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australasia.

The resolution brings an end to a prolonged disciplinary process that began with the initial finding on 4 December 2024.

Source: thefa.com