Winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially been allowed to return to play after the doping-related incident was resolved by the Football Association of England (FA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The Ukrainian star has not played for Chelsea since November 2024 after a test result was positive for meldonium, a substance on the banned list. Mudryk has always affirmed that he did not intentionally use this substance and does not know how it appeared in his body.
During the suspension period, the player born in 2001 still practiced individually and maintained his physical condition, while pursuing an appeal process to prove that he did not intentionally violate anti-doping regulations.
Initially, Mudryk was banned from competition by the FA for 4 years after an independent regulatory committee concluded that he violated anti-doping regulations. However, the penalty was overturned after the FA, WADA and the player reached an agreement during the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The main reason for this decision is changes in WADA technical standards. According to new regulations, if Mudryk's test sample is taken at the present time, the meldonium concentration will not be considered a violation of anti-doping regulations. This is considered an important factor helping the parties agree to reach an agreement, instead of continuing to pursue the prolonged lawsuit.
Mudryk is expected to join Chelsea in the pre-season tour, starting in Sydney before the team goes to Hong Kong (China).
I am very grateful that this long battle has ended. I can return to the pitch and look forward. This is the most difficult period in my career" - Mudryk shared.
The 25-year-old player also emphasized: "I have never intentionally or deliberately used any banned substances. I always play with honesty, professionalism and that will never change".
On Chelsea's side, the London team welcomed the new decision, and said that progress in WADA testing standards is an important factor in helping the case to be reconsidered.
Mudryk has always affirmed his innocence and has shown professionalism and resilience throughout this difficult time. We are happy that he can return to play" - Chelsea announced.
Joining Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023 for a fee that could be up to 89 million pounds, Mudryk has made 73 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals. Before being suspended, he was also a pillar of the Ukrainian national team with 28 appearances.
In an official announcement, the FA confirmed that Mudryk admitted to violating the settlement agreement, and the previous suspension time was calculated as the total penalty.
Therefore, the Ukrainian player is eligible to return to play immediately. This is considered a major boost for Chelsea before the new season, when coach Xabi Alonso will have another quality option in attack.
