His ban is expected to be between 6 and 8 months. However when Rio Ferdinand gets 8 months for missing a test, how can someone who owns up to taking it, after getting caught I might add, receive a lesser penalty?
Giving someone a longer ban though, after admitting taking it, could sway players into not coming clean. A player who needs help sees Mutu get 2 years for admitting use and Rio 8 months for missing a test, will be encouraged to simply miss their test. Therefore, it may well be better to have a lesser sentence.
A statement of apology will also do him no harm at the hearing. His statement, read by his lawyers, read as follows.
"Mr Mutu apologises profusely to everybody involved with, and the supporters of, Chelsea FC.
"Our client sincerely regrets having taken a prohibited substance.
"Although he believes and appreciates that this behaviour was unacceptable, he had been suffering severe personal difficulties at the time."
Mutu was sacked by Chelsea after testing positive for cocaine. He only joined the club last summer, costing £15.8 million.