He was also fined £20,000 and will be subject to target testing throughout the period of the suspension.

This follows Mutu’s failing a doping control test after using a prohibited substance. However, the commission did take into account the mitigation put forward by the player.

His suspension includes the period already served under an interim suspension order, beginning on 25th October, and will run until May 18th 2005.

A request will be made for FIFA to impose a worldwide ban under their statutes.

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The FA take all doping control matters extremely seriously, increasing a testing programme to 1,600 tests this season from the previous level of 1,253 show our commitment to the testing programme.

We conduct more tests than any other sport in the UK and we have been acclaimed for this.

The FA believes it is important to balance rehabilitation and education with suspension in cases of players who accept wrong-doing after failing drug tests, when appropriate.

This verdict falls into line with the guidelines set out by FIFA on doping control matters. The player complied with taking a drugs test, accepts he has made mistakes and has committed to a clear process of rehabilitation.

The FA firmly supports the decision of the Independent Disciplinary Commission today.