Unions back Mutu over collossal Chelsea fine

Romania striker Adrian Mutu says he has the backing of two players' unions in his bid to overturn the 17.2 million fine FIFA ordered him to pay to Chelsea over his failed drugs test.

Muti was hit with the massive fine, which relates to his positive cocaine test in 2004 while playing for the Premier League club, in August.

At a press conference on Wednesday Mutu said he had enlisted the support of FIFPro, the international professional players' union, and the Association of Romania footballers (AFAN).

“I'm thrilled at the support given to me by AFAN and above all by FIFPro, happy to see that we're on the same wavelength,” Muti said as he took time out from preparing with Romania for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against France.

“What's happened to me is unjust and I'm going to fight for my rights. It's good to have union support.”

He was flanked at the conference by among others international teammate and romania captain Cristi Chivu.

Mutu, who now plays for Fiorentina, lodged an appeal with CAS, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, last month against the ruling which was meted out by FIFA in May.