The Football Association has charged Chelsea with misconduct for carrying out “independent private drug testing” on some of its players, alleging that the club breached Rule E25 by testing on 12 July 2004.
It stated: “Interference with a drugs test or the doping control programme will be regarded as amounting to a breach of the doping control regulations”.
The FA does not allow independent testing in case it leads to incidents where clubs could try to cover up drug use by squad members.
The club say that they will vigorously contest the charge and have until September 23 to respond.
Chelsea respond to FA charge · Update
Statement published on the official Chelsea FC website:
Chelsea has seen the FA charge issued today and will defend it vigorously.
The club feels that it has done nothing morally wrong.
The date and tests in question directly relate to the Adrian Mutu case. This test of July 12 proved negative.
Subsequently, the same player failed an FA approved drugs test for cocaine and his contract with Chelsea was terminated. During the hearing into this failed test he also admitted to taking this Class A drug on several occasions.
Chelsea is absolutely committed to the fight against drugs in football. We believe we have demonstrated this by our actions and would never attempt to contravene any rules in order to cover-up drugs in sport.
We have made it clear publicly that we will adopt a zero tolerance policy to anybody who fails a drug test and rejects the chance of help and rehabilitation when offered by the club.
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