The President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Witold Bańka, has given a fresh update on the situation surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk, as the Chelsea winger continues to await the outcome of disciplinary proceedings over a positive doping test.

Mudryk, 24, has been temporarily suspended since December, after being suspected of using banned substances. The winger has not featured for Chelsea since, and the case has drawn attention across European football, with both WADA and the English FA involved in the investigative process.

Speaking to reporters, Bańka emphasised that the key step now is the FA’s formal ruling on the matter:
“First of all, we are waiting for a disciplinary decision in his case (from the Football Association of England). As of today, we do not know when it will come.”

This indicates that Chelsea, WADA, and the player himself are all still in a holding pattern as the FA completes its internal review.

Once the FA reaches a decision, WADA will step in to examine the documentation and determine whether to endorse or challenge the ruling. Bańka explained:
“Then, according to the anti-doping code, we will request the player’s documentation and will decide whether we agree with this disciplinary decision.”

This step ensures that global anti-doping standards are maintained and that any punishment is consistent with precedent.

Crucially, Bańka also confirmed that WADA retains the power to appeal if they feel the final sanction is not appropriate:
“We can appeal in two cases: if we consider the decision too harsh or too lenient.”
This means Mudryk’s case may not be fully settled even after the FA makes its ruling — depending on WADA’s response.

What Comes Next

The immediate next stage is simply waiting — something Chelsea fans have unfortunately become familiar with when it comes to Mudryk’s stop-start career since joining from Shakhtar Donetsk.

If the FA disciplinary panel clears Mudryk or issues a short suspension, he could possibly return to training and match involvement before the season ends. If the sanction is lengthy, Chelsea may have to begin planning for life without him in the short or even medium term.

For now, both the club and supporters must stay patient.

The process is ongoing — and as Bańka’s comments make clear — no final decision has yet been made.