Mykhailo Mudryk is free to return to football after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency agreed to resolve his appeal, bringing an end to the Chelsea winger’s long-running anti-doping case.
The Ukraine international can play immediately following changes to WADA’s technical guidelines on meldonium. The decision ends a suspension that had kept the 25-year-old out of action since December 2024.
Mudryk has spoken publicly for the first time since being cleared to return, describing the conclusion of the case as the end of the most difficult period of his career and expressing his relief at being able to resume playing.
“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect. I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.”
The former Shakhtar Donetsk player said the proceedings had affected him both personally and professionally.
“This has been the most difficult period of my career.”
Mudryk has consistently denied knowingly or deliberately taking a prohibited substance throughout the case. He repeated that position in his latest statement, while also reaffirming his commitment to fair competition and representing Chelsea and Ukraine professionally.
“As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period.”
The winger also thanked Chelsea, his team-mates and the club’s supporters for their backing during the suspension, as well as those who worked on his appeal.
“I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout. I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case.”
Mudryk now intends to concentrate on regaining full fitness and making an impact for Chelsea on the pitch.
“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch.Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career.”
He is expected to join Chelsea in Hong Kong on Sunday as part of the club’s pre-season tour.
The suspension had prevented Mudryk from playing since December 2024, but the agreement between the Football Association and WADA following the changes to the technical guidelines on meldonium means he is now eligible to return immediately.
