The doping suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been lifted with immediate effect, allowing the Chelsea player to return to action straight away. In 2024, a trace amount of meldonium—then on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned substances list—was detected in his system, prompting a four-year ban. Mudryk challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing the case should be reassessed under updated regulations.

World Anti-Doping Agency rules have since changed. Officials now confirm that, under today’s standards, the same finding would not even trigger an investigation. The Football Association explained that while the original result cannot be re-examined retroactively, the circumstances surrounding Mudryk’s case no longer meet the threshold for disciplinary action.

“Regulations have evolved,” stated the FA in an official statement. “A comparable result today would not be reported, nor would it constitute a doping violation.” The governing body added that, considering these changes and other factors specific to the case, a mutual agreement was reached with Mudryk and ratified by WADA.

As part of the resolution, Mudryk acknowledged breaching anti-doping protocols and accepted a sanction equivalent to the time already served. With the ban now lifted, he is free to resume competitive football without restriction.