Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu could face a lengthy ban and being sacked by his English Premiership club after testing positive for cocaine, it was reported on Monday.
Newspapers said the 25-year-old Romanian tested positive for the drug at Chelsea’s training ground last month.
The Football Association has so far refused to comment.
The Sun, the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph said Mutu could face a two-year ban if the positive result is confirmed by a follow-up test.
A Chelsea spokesperson said: ”We have no comment to make at this stage.”
Mutu, known for a playboy lifestyle, was already in conflict with Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, who has refused to use the player this season after a loan-deal with Juventus fell through.
Mutu, reported to earn £3-million a year, cost Chelsea £15,8-million when he was signed from Parma a year ago.
But Chelsea were believed to be ready to write off the investment.
When Chelsea’s Australian goalkeeper Mark Bosnich failed a test for cocaine two years ago, his £2,5-million-a-year deal was terminated.
Mutu — now reconciled with his divorced wife, Alexandra — was fined two weeks wages for claiming Mourinho was a liar when the Chelsea boss tried to prevent him from playing for Romania in a World Cup qualifying match.
Mutu’s agent, Victor Becali, who is travelling to London on Monday, said: ”We did not receive anything official until now. It was not a recent test, it was done in September.
”A lot of people in Romania think this is Chelsea’s revenge on Adrian. I don’t think so because it’s not in their interest.” — Sapa-AFP