Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to return to action immediately after the English Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency resolved his appeal regarding a doping ban.
The Ukrainian had been handed a four-year suspension in 2024 after a drug test revealed a low level of meldonium, which is prohibited.
Following his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, changes to WADA’s policies mean that had Mudryk’s sample been taken today, the concentration of meldonium would have resulted in no anti-doping charges.
“Changes have been made … which, while not retroactive, mean that if Mr. Mudryk’s sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium would not have been reported, and no anti-doping rule violations would have occurred,” the FA remarked on Friday.
The FA announced that Mudryk “may return to competition with immediate effect” after accepting the charges and acknowledging the time he had already served.
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Mudryk signed with Chelsea in 2023 for €100 million ($115m / £86m), committing to an 8.5-year contract until 2031.
He described his suspension as “the most difficult period of my career” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return.
“I am thankful that this process has concluded, that I have been cleared to return to football, and that I can now focus on my future,” he shared in a social media post.
Chelsea expressed their support for Mudryk’s return, announcing they will assist the 25-year-old in reintegrating into the squad as he resumes his career.
“We have always backed Misha throughout this journey while respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and the legal process,” the club’s statement emphasized.
PA contributed to this report.