End of punishment for Mudryk reinforces Chelsea with return of player valued at R$400 million
Chelsea will gain an important boost with the reinstatement of striker Mudryk, who had been suspended from football after testing positive for meldonium, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Football Association (FA) confirmed the closure of the disciplinary process against the Ukrainian player on July 31, 2026, releasing him for activities at the London club.
The initial suspension, imposed in January 2026 by an independent Regulatory Commission, had mandated a four-year period of ineligibility for Mudryk for violating anti-doping rules. The striker has not participated in a professional game since November 2024.
Following the decision, Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). The case took a new turn due to subsequent changes to the WADA Technical Document. Although these changes do not have retroactive effect, they indicate that if Mudryk’s sample were collected today, the meldonium concentration would not be considered a violation. This reanalysis of the anti-doping body’s guidelines was a crucial factor that influenced the review and eventual lifting of the punishment by the TAS, allowing the athlete to return to the field before the deadline, which could extend until 2028.
In an official statement, Chelsea expressed their satisfaction with Mudryk’s early return, highlighting that his presence strengthens the team led by Xabi Alonso. The club sees the player as a fundamental piece to help in the search for prominent positions in the English football scene.
The club said: “We know how much this opportunity to return means to him. Our focus now is on supporting Misha’s reintegration into the squad and helping him get his career back on track. Everyone at the Club now looks forward to helping Misha get back to full fitness, back into the squad and back onto the pitch.”
What striker Mudryk said about returning to Chelsea
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk commented on the end of the ban and his return to Chelsea for pre-season. The Ukrainian’s contract with the English club runs until June 2031, and he is excited to contribute to the team’s restructuring.
In his statement, the player said: “After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been revoked and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect. I am grateful that this process has come to a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look to the future. This has been the most difficult period of my career. As I have always maintained since the beginning of this case, I have never intentionally or knowingly taken any banned substance.” He also expressed gratitude to Chelsea FC, his teammates, fans and legal team, signing off with a full focus on returning to the pitch and making a positive contribution.
Chelsea have a friendly scheduled against Juventus on August 5, and Mudryk could be linked with Xabi Alonso. The Ukrainian striker will compete for a place in attack with players such as Pedro Neto, Estêvão, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Jamie Gittens.
