Why is Mykhailo Mudryk Allowed to Play Football Again?

Why is Mykhailo Mudryk Allowed to Play Football Again?

Mykhailo Mudryk signed for Chelsea back in 2022 in a deal worth £61 million from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. He signed a nine year deal with the London based club meaning he is under contract until 2031.

However, in November 2024, Mudryk was provisionally suspended by the Football Association after returning an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium. Originally Mudryk was handed a four year ban from football by the FA but he decided to appeal against the decisions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Meldonium is a substance that can increase respiratory capacity and stamina which is therefore why it is a banned substance.

However, as of Friday 31st July, Mykhailo Mudryk has been told he is allowed to return to playing football for Chelsea.

So Why is Mykhailo Mudryk Allowed to Play For Chelsea Again?

The FA have put out a statement which read that Mudryk could return to competition with immediate effect as the anti-doping disciplinary proceedings have been resolved. This is because he accepted that he had broken the anti-doping rules and agreed to a ban equal to the time he had already served.

Mudryk has commented on the issue and said that he is glad to be back playing football and the time away from the game was “the most difficult period” of his footballing career. He also added that “I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”

After 20 months away, Mykhailo Mudryk is FINALLY back on the pitch for Chelsea! ⚡️💙

Following his FA & WADA clearance, Xabi Alonso gave him his return minutes vs Juventus in Hong Kong.

Big season ahead for Misha? 👇#CFC #Mudryk #ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/38wVIXQ2U8

— Football is Life (@FootballisL_ife) August 5, 2026

Last night Mudryk made his long awaited return to the pitch during Chelsea’s pre season fixture against Juventus in Hong Kong in which he came on from the bench for the final 8 minutes of action.