9 Jun 2008Mutu ordered to pay Chelsea £9.6m

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Romania striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to pay his former team Chelsea £9.6 million by Fifa, according to the player's lawyer Cristian Sarbu.

Chelsea had sought compensation for loss of transfer fee and wages after they sacked Mutu for testing positive for cocaine back in October 2004.

The Blues argued that Mutu should pay compensation as it was his action in taking cocaine that led to his sacking.

However, the forward - who has since played for Juventus and is now on the books at Fiorentina - can still appeal against the decision in a civil court.

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

Having said this, the news has yet to be confirmed by either Fifa or Chelsea.

The extent to which Mutu has recaptured his past glories following his fall from grace is highlighted by the fact that he has been singled out as Romania's main threat in the European Championships by France captain Lilian Thuram.

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