Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to resume football after four-year ban overturned

Mykhailo Mudryk says he is free to restart his football career after his four-year suspension was overturned, describing the case as the most difficult period of his professional life.

The Chelsea winger was banned for four years after being found to have taken performance-enhancing drugs and prohibited substances. He appealed against the decision, and has now been given permission to return to competition with immediate effect.

Mudryk announced the development in a statement on his official Instagram account.

“After a long battle, the four-year suspension imposed on me has been cancelled, and I am free to resume my football career with immediate effect,” he said.

“I am grateful that this case has reached its conclusion, and that I have been given the green light to return to football. I can now look ahead to my future.”

The Ukraine international maintained that he had never knowingly or deliberately taken banned substances.

“This has been the most difficult period of my professional career,” Mudryk added.

“As I have stated from the beginning of this case, I have never taken performance-enhancing drugs, knowingly or intentionally. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and my country with professionalism and integrity has always been extremely important to me.”

Mudryk also thanked those who supported him during the proceedings, including his family, friends and everyone at Chelsea.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief in me throughout this period,” he said.

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at Chelsea, my team-mates and the Chelsea supporters who stood by me throughout this ordeal.”

He reserved further praise for his legal team and those who worked on his appeal, saying his priority was now to return to football and make a positive contribution on the pitch.

“I would also like to thank my legal team and everyone who contributed to my case for their tireless efforts,” Mudryk said.

“My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day and making a positive contribution on the pitch. Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I am very excited about the next chapter of my football career.”

Chelsea have issued an official statement confirming that the case has ended. The club also said Mudryk will return to Chelsea training in the coming period.

The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a reported fee of 70m euros. He has made 73 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists.

His return follows the conclusion of the case and gives him the opportunity to resume his career after the suspension that had prevented him from competing.