English Premiership side Chelsea have sacked Adrian Mutu after the Romanian striker failed a drugs test.
The 25-year-old tested positive for a banned substance — which he later denied was cocaine — in September.
Chelsea have decided to write off a possible transfer fee for Mutu, a £15,8-million signing from Parma last season, who may face a two-year ban from the game.
He scored six goals in his first five games after arriving at Stamford Bridge but his form went into decline and he was frozen out by new coach Jose Mourinho this season.
Mutu claimed he did not test positive for cocaine as initially reported, but for a substance designed to increase his sexual strength.
A statement from Chelsea said: ”We want to make clear that Chelsea has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
”This applies to both performance-enhancing drugs or so-called ‘recreational’ drugs. They have no place at our club or in sport.
”In coming to a decision on this case, Chelsea believed the club’s social responsibility to its fans, players, employees and other stakeholders in football regarding drugs was more important than the major financial considerations to the company.
”Any player who takes drugs breaches his contract with the club as well as FA [Football Association] rules. The club totally supports the FA in strong action on all drugs cases.”
Chelsea’s decision to terminate his contract is independent of any FA disciplinary procedures. — Sapa-AFP