Romanian striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to repay Chelsea a staggering £9.6 million in compensation after his sacking in 2004. FIFA ruled on the decision following Chelsea’s attempt to sue Mutu to cover losses incurred by his transfer fee and wages paid to him during his 14 month spell.  Mutu was banned from football worldwide for 7 months and rebuilt his career in Serie A, firstly with Juventus and then Fiorentina.

Mutu joined Chelsea for £15.8 million in 2003 and hit the ground running, getting 6 goals in his first 5 games for the Blues but his performances quickly tailed off and he quickly became a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge. He was tested for cocaine after missing a training session in October 2004 and admitted his guilt almost immediately after his name was leaked to the press.

He subsequently admitted the problems he was having at the time and worked hard to beat the stigma that was attached to him during his worldwide ban. The player’s agent, Christian Sarbu, said the decision was not final and they were planning to appeal the decision. “This is a decision taken by a sporting tribunal. After this is final, this can be taken to a civil court.