Mykhailo Mudryk makes stunning Chelsea return after ban
Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to resume his Chelsea career immediately after reaching a resolution over his four-year doping ban.
The return comes almost 20 months after the winger made his most recent appearance for the Blues.
Mail Sport reports that Mudryk’s suspension has ended after changes to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s technical reporting requirements.
Under the updated standards, the concentration of meldonium found in Mudryk’s sample would not have been high enough to produce an adverse finding.
The 25-year-old is now expected to rejoin Xabi Alonso’s squad during Chelsea’s pre-season tour. The Times has also confirmed that Mudryk is cleared to play again.
Mudryk last represented Chelsea against Heidenheim in the Conference League in November 2024. He was provisionally suspended the following month before receiving a four-year FA ban, which he appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
New: Mykhailo Mudryk is expected to join his Chelsea team-mates on their pre-season tour, most likely in Hong Kong after this weekend. Mudryk's last appearance for #CFC was away at Heidenheim, Conference League, November 2024. No longer banned
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) July 31, 2026
Mudryk maintained throughout the process that he had never knowingly or intentionally taken a prohibited substance.
In a statement published on Instagram, the Ukraine international described the case as the most difficult period of his career. He also thanked Chelsea, his team-mates, supporters and legal representatives for standing by him.
Chelsea welcomed the resolution and confirmed that the winger can return to football immediately.
The club said the updated scientific reporting standards provided important context. Chelsea also confirmed that their immediate focus will be supporting Mudryk’s reintegration and helping him return to full fitness.
ReadChelsea previously covered Mudryk’s cryptic return message during his appeal, when he told supporters to “stay tuned”.
Mudryk has continued training individually during his absence but has not played a competitive match for almost two years. Alonso must now assess his fitness before deciding where the winger fits within a Chelsea attack strengthened by several new arrivals.
His immediate availability represents a remarkable change after the four-year punishment had threatened to keep him out until December 2028.
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