Chelsea right to sack Mutu: Drugs expert

Chelsea’s sacking of Adrian Mutu for failing a drugs test was the “only decision they could make” according to drug-testing expert Michelle Verroken.

The Londoners today enforced their "zero tolerance" policy on drugs and dismissed Mutu, writing off the £15.8m (€22.7m) they paid Parma to sign him in August 2003.

And Verroken, a former director of drug-free sport for UK Sport, insists the Blues were right to sack Mutu and have enhanced their reputation by doing so.

“Chelsea are saying quite clearly to the rest of their players and their fans that this is a situation they are not prepared to tolerate,” said Verroken.

“It was a very difficult decision for them and an expensive decision for them but the terms of his contract were breached and it was the only decision they could make. It is a very clear stance by Chelsea and it has given a strong boost to the reputation of the club.”

It emerged that Mutu had failed a drugs test on October 18 and, although it was initially reported that the banned substance in question was cocaine, the Romanian international later suggested it was a substance designed to enhance sexual performance.

The Football Association have yet to act on Mutu’s failed drugs test and refuse to even discuss his case.