In 2024, a trace amount of meldonium—a prohibited substance—was detected in a routine doping test conducted on Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian international was immediately handed a four-year suspension. Mudryk promptly filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Football’s governing bodies have since revised anti-doping regulations. Under the updated World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, a similar finding today would not trigger formal disciplinary proceedings. The Football Association (FA) confirmed these changes in an official statement.

“Regulations have been updated,” the FA explained. “While Mudryk’s case cannot be reassessed retroactively, the meldonium level detected would no longer be reported as an anti-doping violation under current standards.”

The FA and Mudryk subsequently reached an agreement, with WADA’s endorsement, acknowledging that the player had breached doping rules at the time. However, given the elapsed suspension period and revised guidelines, Mudryk is now free to resume competitive action immediately.