RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesMykhailo Mudryk cleared to return as Chelsea winger’s doping ban is lifted
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to professional football after his doping ban was lifted with immediate effect, according to Kieran Gill .
The 25-year-old is now expected to join Chelsea’s pre-season tour and could link up with the squad when they arrive in Hong Kong after completing their matches in Australia.
His return gives the Blues another attacking option ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, although his long-term future at Stamford Bridge is still uncertain.
Mudryk had initially received a four-year suspension after being charged by the Football Association (FA) for failing a doping test.
His last competitive appearance came in November 2024, when he scored in Chelsea’s 2-0 UEFA Conference League victory over German side Heidenheim.
Since then, he has been on the sidelines while the case was being resolved. The decision to lift the ban follows changes to the scientific reporting standards used in anti-doping testing.
A key issue was the way accredited laboratories analyse samples for meldonium, a prohibited substance.
Rather than measuring exact amounts, laboratories use a testing method that estimates concentration levels.
Following updated scientific guidance, the World Anti-Doping Agency raised the reporting threshold to improve confidence that reported positive samples genuinely exceed the required limit.
Those changes played an important role in reaching the final resolution, allowing Mudryk to resume his playing career immediately.
The Ukrainian has since expressed relief after what he described as the toughest period of his career.
“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded, and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect,” he said on social media.
“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. This has been the most difficult period of my career.
“As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.
“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch.”
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