At a Disciplinary Commission hearing on Thursday, 4th November 2004, Adrian Mutu was suspended from all football and football-related activity for seven months, subject to successfully completing a programme of education and rehabilitation, after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The suspension included the period already served under an interim suspension order, beginning on 25th October 2004, and will run until 18th May 2005.

Following the outcome of the hearing, a request was made to FIFA for the world governing body to impose the ban worldwide. FIFA imposed the seven-month ban in relation to football matches only, in accordance with their Disciplinary Code.

The FA has never protested against FIFA's decision, nor has The FA ever requested FIFA to amend or extend the conditions of the worldwide ban. The application of worldwide bans is entirely a FIFA matter.