Mykhailo Mudryk has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his drugs ban, as the Chelsea winger looks to revive his career.
The 25-year-old has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024 after an “adverse finding in a routine urine test” led to a provisional suspension the following month.
The Football Association formally charged Mudryk in June 2025, though it remains unclear whether a full ban has been issued.
CAS confirmed the appeal process is now underway.
“CAS confirms it has received an appeal by Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026,” the Switzerland-based body said in a statement.
“The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.”
The case centres around Mudryk’s reported exposure to meldonium, a cardiovascular medication that can enhance endurance and oxygen efficiency, during international duty with Ukraine in October 2024.
The forward, who joined Chelsea in a deal worth an initial €70 million in January 2023, has consistently denied wrongdoing.
In his only public statement following the initial suspension, he said he was in “complete shock” and insisted he had “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules”.
Chelsea winger targeting return amid ongoing appeal
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his situation, Mudryk is understood to be working towards a return to football later this year.
He has been maintaining fitness by training with non-league side Uxbridge FC, alongside private coaching sessions.
Neither Chelsea nor the FA have issued further comment on the case, with proceedings now set to continue through CAS.
