Chelsea release statement as Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to play after doping ban lifted

Mykhailo Mudryk is available to play again (Picture: AP)

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is available to play again after his doping ban was resolved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Football Association.

Mudryk, 25, has not represented Chelsea since November 2024 following a suspension for an adverse finding in a urine sample .

The sample produced an adverse finding for the prohibited substance meldonium, which can increase respiratory capacity and stamina.

The Ukrainian international said that the failed drugs test came as a ‘complete shock’ as he had never knowingly used a banned substance, but was dealt four-year ban for the offence.

Mudryk subsequently appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), who have now ruled he can return to competition ‘with immediate effect’ after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served.

The FA also confirmed that changes to Wada’s scientific guidance have meant that if Mudryk’s sample was taken today, he would not have committed an anti-doping violation.

An agreement has now been reached between the FA, Wada and Mudryk to resolve the case, with Mudryk now expected to join Xabi Alonso’s team on their pre-season tour.

In a statement confirming the news, Chelsea said: ‘From the outset, this has been an extremely difficult period for Misha, both professionally and personally, and we are pleased that the matter has now reached a conclusion which allows him to return to football with immediate effect.

‘We have always supported Misha throughout this process while fully respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and the legal process.

‘We welcome the acknowledgement that advances in the applicable scientific reporting standards for more reliable testing mean that, had Misha’s sample been analysed under today’s technical requirements, it would not have been reported as a positive test and no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted. That is an important part of the context surrounding the agreed resolution and allows everyone involved to move forward.

‘Misha has consistently maintained that he never knowingly or intentionally used a prohibited substance and did not know how traces of the substance entered his system. Throughout this process he has conducted himself professionally and with resilience during what has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods of his career.

‘We know how much this opportunity to return means to him. Our focus now is on supporting Misha’s reintegration into the squad and helping him resume his career.

‘Chelsea FC remains fully committed to the highest standards of sporting integrity and compliance with all anti-doping regulations.

‘Everyone at the Club now looks forward to helping Misha return to full fitness, back into the squad and back onto the pitch.’