Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, has rekindled the row over Chelsea's decision to sack drug-taking striker Adrian Mutu by accusing the club of holding the player's future to ransom.
Mutu will learn the severity of his punishment for failing a drugs test at a disciplinary hearing with the Football Association later today.
The 25-year-old Romanian was axed by the Barclays Premiership side for 'gross misconduct' under Chelsea's 'zero-tolerance' policy on the use of drugs, recreational or otherwise, by its players and staff.
Taylor last week criticised Chelsea's decision to terminate the forward's contract, saying it would prejudice any FA hearing.
The players' union boss has now gone one step further and accused the club of holding his career to ransom until they get some of their £15.8 million back.
Chelsea paid Parma that sum for his services in 2003 and will now hold on to his registration until they can redeem some of the cash.
According to the PFA chief, irrespective of any ban imposed on the player by the FA, Chelsea are determined to stop him from playing football until they can claw back some of their wasted investment.
He added that while Chelsea may have sacked him, they are still holding his registration - which would effectively prevent him from playing anywhere else until the financial matter is settled to their satisfaction.
"Chelsea have not released his registration and in effect are asking FIFA, the FA and the Premier League not to let him go to another club until they recover their loss."
The FA are expected to hand Mutu a ban between six months - the minimum under the rules - and two years.
