Mutu gets seven month ban

Having initially denied ever taking the drug after failing an out-of-competition test last month, Mutu claimed last week, through Taylor, that it was a "one-off ".

But Standard Sport learned that in his initial hearing with the FA two weeks ago and in private meetings with the PFA and his former club Chelsea, the ex-Parma striker admitted using the drug "several times".

Although Chelsea suspect he has been using drugs since before he joined the club in a £15.8million transfer in August 2003, he has only admitted to taking cocaine on up to a dozen occasions.

Owning up to his drug problem was taken into consideration by the FA, who will help with his rehabilitation. Mutu will also now receive treatment at the Priory Clinic. He was accompanied at the FA's Soho Square headquarters by his agents, the Bicali brothers Ion and Victor, and Peter Kay, chief executive of Sporting Chance.

Taylor appeared to backtrack from his position of last week when he said ahead of today's hearing: "Cocaine has not been a persistent activity for him but he has used the drug on a number of occasions this year because of problems in his personal life."

Taylor had accused Chelsea of breaching FA rules and violating Mutu's human rights by refusing to release his registration.

Chelsea are threatening to sue the player to recoup some of the £15.8m fee but given the seven-month ban will now consider whether to to pursue the claim against him.