Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to professional football following a nearly 20-month suspension stemming from a positive doping test, marking the potential restart of his career after a prolonged hiatus. The 25-year-old Ukrainian winger, currently contracted to Chelsea, confirmed the end of his ban last week after reaching an agreement involving the Football Association (FA), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Mudryk’s suspension began in December 2024 after he tested positive for the banned substance meldonium in an out-of-competition test conducted in October that year. Meldonium, a heart medication, was detected in low concentrations, similar to the case of tennis player Maria Sharapova, who served a 15-month ban for the same substance. Following provisional suspension and formal charges by the FA in May 2025, Mudryk was initially handed a four-year ban. He has consistently maintained that he never knowingly ingested a banned substance and challenged the ruling at CAS.
During his suspension, Mudryk remained largely out of the public eye, focusing on maintaining his fitness despite restrictions that prevented him from training with Chelsea staff or at the club’s facilities in Surrey. In April, a video surfaced showing him bench pressing his girlfriend, influencer and actor Jordyn Jones, reflecting his efforts to stay in shape. The Ukrainian’s relationship with Jones, who has a substantial social media following, began after Mudryk reached out to her on Instagram in September 2025. Their romance developed over several months, with Jones publicly supporting him by wearing Chelsea merchandise.
Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023, signing from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £62 million, potentially rising to £88 million. The club outbid Arsenal to secure the winger’s services. However, his on-field performances fell short of expectations, with only ten goals in 73 appearances. His final match before the suspension came during a 2-0 UEFA Conference League victory against German side Heidenheim.
The announcement clearing Mudryk to resume his career was accompanied by a message of gratitude on his social media, where he thanked family, friends, and Chelsea for their support during the “most difficult period” of his professional life. Shortly after the ruling, Mudryk rejoined Chelsea’s squad for their pre-season tour in Asia.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, now managing Coventry City, is reportedly among several Premier League clubs interested in offering Mudryk an opportunity to regain competitive form. While the winger is expected to require time to return to peak performance levels, his clearance represents a significant step toward revitalizing his career after a turbulent period marked by controversy and absence from the game.