Mystery Mykhailo Mudryk Update Issued Nearly 18 Months After Doping Ban

Mykhailo Mudryk’s future remains wildly uncertain following his doping ban.

Mykhailo Mudryk hasn’t represented Chelsea since November 2024. | IMAGO/Crystal Pi

Chelsea have registered an “updated contract” for Mykhailo Mudryk as he approaches 18 months on the sidelines following his doping ban.

The Ukraine international, who cost Chelsea an exorbitant $109 million (£88.5 million) fee, hasn’t played a competitive game of football since November 2024 after being provisionally suspended for taking the banned substance meldonium.

Mudryk was then officially charged by the Football Association (FA) in June 2025 and faces a ban of up to four years if found guilty.

Many have understandably forgotten about the exiled winger, but the recent release of data regarding Premier League agent fees across the division has seen Mudryk thrust back into the foreground.

As per the Daily Mail, Chelsea have updated Mudryk’s deal following his suspension, although it remains unclear what amendments have been made to the forward’s contract—prompting further confusion and uncertainty regarding the player’s future.

Mudryk was recently spotted training alone at the home of non-league outfit Uxbridge FC as he seeks to keep fit amid his lengthy layoff.

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Will Mykhailo Mudryk Ever Play for Chelsea Again?

Mudryk has proven a disastrous transfer for Chelsea. | IMAGO/PA Image

There remains no end in sight for Mudryk. The disciplinary process conducted by the FA is ongoing and no timeline over its conclusion has been issued either formally or informally. The winger remains in limbo.

Of course, even the maximum sentence of a four-year ban wouldn’t officially guarantee Mudryk’s Chelsea exit. The player has a contract until 2031 courtesy of the incredibly long deals handed out to new signings since BlueCo took charge and previous cases suggest his 18-month absence would be included in any formal ban.

However, if Mudryk is to be punished, then it’s very possible that a mutual agreement over the termination of his contract is reached.

As per The Athletic, Chelsea are still eager to support the player during an incredibly difficult period in the 25-year-old’s career, but recent additions in the wide positions—such as Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens—point to the cold reality of the situation, with the Blues needing to plan for the future.

If Mudryk is cleared of any wrongdoing, then he would be free to make an immediate return for Chelsea. There remains a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel.

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