Chelsea get Mutu compensation green light

Chelsea were today given the green light to seek compensation from shamed striker Adrian Mutu after they terminated his contract following his positive drugs test.

The Premier League appeals committee had met to consider the appeal from the Barclays Premiership leaders.

Mutu was dismissed by the club last October for gross misconduct after he tested positive for cocaine.

He was then suspended for seven months from football worldwide but signed a five-year contract with Juventus on January 12. The ban ends in May.

Chelsea will seek compensation from the player but it is understood his Italian club will pay.

A statement from the Premier League read: “The appeals committee concluded that the conduct of the player in taking banned drugs was gross misconduct which entitled the club to treat the player’s contract as at an end and amounted to a unilateral breach without just cause or sporting just cause.

“The club is therefore entitled to proceed to seek compensation and sporting sanctions from the dispute resolution chamber (DRC) of FIFA.”