Chelsea winger, Mykhailo Mudryk, has been cleared to return to competitive football immediately after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) partially upheld his appeal against a four-year doping ban.
The 25-year-old Ukraine international has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024 after being provisionally suspended by the Football Association the following month following an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium.
CAS ruled that Mudryk can return to action “with immediate effect” after he accepted breaching anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the period he has already served.
Mudryk reacts
Mudryk described the decision as the end of the “most difficult period” of his career.
“As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance,” he said.
The winger also thanked Chelsea for their support throughout the process.
“I express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea, and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career,” he added.
Chelsea welcome ruling
Chelsea said they are looking forward to reintegrating Mudryk into the squad.
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The club confirmed the winger will join the team’s pre-season tour as he works towards full fitness before returning to competitive action.
CAS explains decision
Although the FA did not publicly disclose details of the case because of the confidentiality of its anti-doping programme, the CAS ruling confirmed Mudryk tested positive for meldonium during an out-of-competition test while on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.
CAS said the sample contained “a low concentration” of the prohibited cardiovascular medication, which can enhance respiratory capacity and stamina.
The court also noted that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has since amended its technical guidance on meldonium testing.
According to CAS, while the revised guidance is not retrospective, Mudryk’s sample would not have been reported as an adverse finding if it had been tested under the current standards.
CAS added that Mudryk, the FA and WADA subsequently agreed to resolve the appeal proceedings, allowing the Chelsea winger to resume playing immediately.
