Chelsea footballer Mykhailo Mudryk is now eligible to play again after a resolution was reached regarding his doping ban. The 25-year-old had been suspended since November 2024 due to a failed drug test that detected a low concentration of the prohibited substance meldonium.
However, recent changes to the World Anti-Doping Agency's procedures mean that if the same test were conducted today, no charges would be brought. The Football Association stated that due to these changes and other circumstances, an agreement has been reached with Mudryk and the World Anti-Doping Agency to resolve the appeal. As part of the agreement, Mudryk acknowledged the anti-doping rule violations and accepted a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served. With this resolution, Mudryk is no longer ineligible and can immediately return to competition.
Chelsea, who signed Mudryk for £88m in January 2023, welcomed the decision and expressed their support for his reintegration into the squad. Mudryk had made 73 appearances and scored nine goals for Chelsea before his ban.
He expressed his gratitude for being able to resume his career and described the past two years as the most difficult period of his career. The Ukraine international had maintained his innocence throughout the process and had been keeping fit by working with personal trainers away from Chelsea's training ground.
It remains to be seen whether Mudryk will be part of Xabi Alonso's squad this season, with the option of being sent on loan to regain full match fitness.