In 2024, a trace amount of meldonium, a prohibited substance, was detected in Mudryk during a routine doping test. The Ukrainian winger was subsequently handed a four-year suspension. He promptly challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations now indicate that a similar result today would not have triggered disciplinary action.

“The rules have been updated,” stated officials from the Football Association (FA) in an official statement. “While the case cannot be reviewed retroactively, Mudryk’s positive test would no longer result in a ban today. The meldonium concentration found in his sample would not have been flagged, meaning no anti-doping violation would have been recorded.”

“Given these changes and other case-specific factors, the FA and Mudryk reached a mutual agreement, with WADA’s endorsement.”

Under this agreement, Mudryk admitted to breaching anti-doping regulations and accepted a completed suspension period. As a result, his ban has now been lifted, allowing him to return to competitive play immediately.