Mutu fails third drugs test

The International Olympic Committee have confirmed Fiorentina's Adrian Mutu was found to have banned substances in his system twice.

News broke on Thursday that the former Chelsea and Juventus striker was found to have traces of anti-obesity drug sibutramine in his system after the Serie A clash against Bari on January 19.

The IOC have now confirmed that Mutu failed a second drugs test ten days later, testing positive for the same substance after Fiorentina's Copa Italia quarter-final victory over Lazio.

Italy's national anti-doing tribunal have now suspended Mutu and the 31-year-old, who was sacked by Chelsea in 2004 after testing positive for cocaine, faces a ban of up to four years.

Fiorentina have denied having any involvement in Mutu's failed test but have vowed to stand by their player.

"It's a situation that leaves us astonished, but we believe in the player's good faith," said Viola sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.