The China Mail - Chelsea's Mudryk cleared to play after doping ban appeal

Mudryk was suspended for four years after failing a 2024 drug test that revealed the presence of a low concentration of meldonium, a prohibited substance.

The Ukraine international filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and changes to WADA procedures in the interim mean that had his failed test produced the same result now, charges would not have been brought.

"Changes have been made, which, while not retroactive, mean that if Mr Mudryk's sample was collected today, the concentration of meldonium in the sample would not have been reported and no anti-doping rule violations would have resulted," the FA said in a statement.

"Further to that development and to other circumstances of the case, the FA and Mr Mudryk have now – with the agreement of WADA – resolved the appeal proceedings.

"As a part of the agreement, Mr Mudryk accepted that he had committed the ADRVs charged and acceded to a period of ineligibility equal to the time served at the date of the agreement.

"Mr Mudryk is no longer ineligible and may return to competition with immediate effect."

Mudryk, who hasn't played since November 2024, joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for £62 million ($83 million) in 2023.

The 25-year-old struggled to make an impact for the west Londoners prior to his ban, but will now have a chance to impress new Blues boss Xabi Alonso.

"From the outset, this has been an extremely difficult period for Misha, both professionally and personally, and we are pleased that the matter has now reached a conclusion which allows him to return to football with immediate effect," Chelsea said in a statement.

"Misha has consistently maintained that he never knowingly or intentionally used a prohibited substance and did not know how traces of the substance entered his system.

"Throughout this process he has conducted himself professionally and with resilience during what has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods of his career.

"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 resume his career."

D.Pan--ThChM