The star Romanian footballer Adrian Mutu has tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine.

The appetite suppressant was found in his body during a check after his match for the Italian club Fiorentina against Bari earlier this month. Fiorentina won the match 2-1 and Mutu scored one of the winning goals.

Sibutrimine is used to treat obesity and is not thought to be addictive. However, Italy has a tough policy against doping and sports figures caught using banned substances face long periods of suspension even if it cannot be proved that they acted with intent.

In 2004, Mutu was fired from Chelsea football club for using cocaine.

photo: Adrian Mutu (Wikipedia)