Mutu fined $18.6M by FIFA over cocaine use

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland (AP) -- Romania striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to pay $18.6 million to Chelsea by world ruling body FIFA for testing positive for cocaine in 2004.

Mutu's lawyer Cristian Sarbu said Friday the player would contest the fine in civil court. Sarbu added that the decision was not final and Mutu would not pay any compensation until all legal avenues had been exhausted.

"People should understand that this is a decision taken by a sporting tribunal," Sarbu said. "After this is final, this decision can be taken to a civil court."

FIFA did not immediately confirm the decision, and Romanian Football Federation spokesman Paul Zaharia declined comment, adding he was aware of the reports.

Zaharia said Mutu was training in the Swiss mountains with the team ahead of its opening European Championship match against France on Monday.

Chelsea had asked for $16 million in compensation, a claim that was based on the transfer value of Mutu.

Chelsea bought Mutu from Parma in 2003 for $25.3 million and let him go in October 2004 after he tested positive for cocaine. He was suspended from all football for the next seven months.

The English Premier League also ruled that Mutu's misconduct was a unilateral breach of contract without just cause. In December 2005, an appeal filed by Mutu against the Premier League's decision was dismissed.

FIFA made the decision after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in May 2007 that the world football body must decide what fine Mutu should pay.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

All About Adrian Mutu • Chelsea FC • Romania • Drugs in Sports • European Football