Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has lost his appeal against FIFA’s ruling that he must pay the English club €17m in damages for breach of contract.

Chelsea on Thursday night hailed “an important decision for football” after FIFA ordered Adrian Mutu to pay the club £13.68m in compensation after being tested positive for cocaine while at Stamford Bridge.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insists the Andy Webster case will not become football’s new Bosman ruling.