Chelsea’s Mudryk cleared to play after doping suspension lifted immediately

In 2024, a trace amount of meldonium—a prohibited substance—was detected in Mykhailo Mudryk during a routine anti-doping test. The Ukrainian winger faced a four-year suspension as a result. He subsequently appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

However, revisions to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations now mean that an identical finding today would not trigger a disciplinary process. This pivotal change in policy has reshaped the outcome of Mudryk’s case.

“The regulations have been updated,” a Football Association spokesperson explained. “While we cannot reassess the result retroactively, Mudryk’s positive test would no longer be considered a violation under current rules. The detected meldonium concentration would not meet the threshold for reporting, meaning no anti-doping breach would have occurred.”

“Given these developments and other case-specific factors, the FA and Mudryk reached a mutual agreement, with WADA’s endorsement.”

As part of this resolution, Mudryk admitted to breaching anti-doping rules and accepted the imposed suspension, which he has now fully served. With his ban lifted, he is eligible to return to competitive play without delay.