Adrian Mutu fails drugs test for second time in his career

FIORENTINA striker Adrian Mutu has tested positive for a banned substance, the Italian Olympic Committee has announced.

A statement from CONI revealed traces of the substance sibutramine were found in a sample provided by the 31- year-old Romania international following the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Bari on 10 January. Mutu scored in a 2-1 Fiorentina victory.

A statement from CONI read: "CONI announces that a positive test has been confirmed on Adrian Mutu with the presence of metabolics of sibutramine found in tests done by the FIGC on 10 January after the Serie A game between Fiorentina and Bari."

Sibutramine is an anti-obesity drug. This is Mutu's second failed drug test as in 2004, the Romania international was sacked by Chelsea after testing positive for cocaine, and was given a seven-month worldwide football ban.

After being axed by the Premier League giants and serving his ban, Mutu joined Juventus in January 2005 before moving to Fiorentina at the end of the following season.

Chelsea sued Mutu for breach of contract, and the player is still in the process of making a third appeal against a fine levied at more than 14.75million.