Mutu to sue over coverage of drug use

Adrian Mutu is set to accept punishment from the Football Association without appeal - but is preparing legal action after allegations exaggerating extent of his drug abuse.

Adrian Mutu is set to accept punishment from the Football Association without appeal - but is preparing legal action after allegations exaggerating extent of his drug abuse.

The 25-year-old, sacked by Chelsea on Friday for failing a drug test, admits to taking a prohibited substance but has been upset after a number of "fictitious and highly damaging stories". The strikersaid that he had been suffering from personal difficulties.

A statement from Mutu's solicitors read: "Suggestions in the press that he had taken this substance just before playing football or that he played with it in his system are completely untrue. [Mutu] apologises profusely to everybody involved with, and the supporters of, Chelsea. He greatly regrets not seeking professional help earlier".