Mutu Chelsea fine suspended

Mutu claims he cannot afford the fine (GETTY IMAGES)

A Swiss court has temporarily suspended Adrian Mutu's fine for testing positive for cocaine and being sacked by Chelsea five years ago, his agent said yesterday.

In July, the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld a Fifa ruling that the Romania striker had to pay £15m in damages to the English club but Mutu appealed to a Swiss federal court.

"The suspension of the fine is a positive decision for Mutu but it is still not time to party as there is a lot to do," the Fiorentina forward's agent Victor Becali told Italy's Sky television.

"The suspension lasts until November, then the court could ask for other documents and the case will proceed. We hope Adrian doesn't have to pay."

Mutu has said he does not have the funds to pay the huge fine and Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli has been careful not to overplay him this season given his emotional plight.