Chelsea's Mudryk free to play after appeal against doping ban

The FA never previously disclosed details of the case, because their anti-doping programme is deemed strictly confidential.However, their statement on Friday confirmed Mudryk returned an adverse finding for meldonium, which can increase respiratory capacity and stamina, in an out-of-competition test on international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.He was charged by the FA in June 2025 and given a four-year suspension in January, which came to light in April after he appealed against the ban to Cas.The FA said the test showed "a low concentration" of the prohibited cardiovascular medication.It added that changes have since been made to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) technical document regarding meldonium.The FA said the changes are "not retroactive" but noted that had Mudryk's test been conducted today then "the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported" and no adverse finding would have been recorded.In a separate case resolution agreement to his Cas appeal, Mudryk and the FA have now, with the agreement of Wada, resolved the proceedings, leaving him able to return to all forms of competition.Sources close to Mudryk say he is confident of returning to his best form, citing the work he has put in to maintain his fitness during 20 months on the sidelines.They also point to the support Chelsea have provided throughout the process, while adhering to the restrictions imposed by his suspension and respecting the legal proceedings.The Ukrainian received backing from the club from afar, while also being given the space to navigate what those close to him describe as an extremely difficult period.Under the terms of the suspension, Mudryk was unable to access Chelsea's training ground or work with club staff. His only known public interaction with members of the first-team squad came at the Conference League final celebrations in May 2025.To maintain his fitness, Mudryk paid for private coaching and hired goalkeepers for individual sessions while using a pitch at non-league club Uxbridge FC in London. He also organised a training camp in Austria, with videos from those sessions showing him scoring goals and taking part in attacking drills.However, those close to Mudryk acknowledge there is no substitute for training and competing alongside elite players on a daily basis. Mudryk is understood to be realistic about the challenge ahead, but believes he can overcome it.Chelsea are prepared to provide a pathway back into professional football. Whether that involves reintegration into the first team, a loan move - potentially involving sister club Strasbourg - or a permanent transfer remains to be seen.Whatever the outcome, the resolution of the case represents a significant moment for Mudryk. He now has the opportunity to resume his career and determine what the next chapter looks like.Having joined Chelsea in one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of 2023, his story at Stamford Bridge is not over yet.