Chelsea dismiss Bosnich

Mark Bosnich, the Australian international goalkeeper, has been sacked by Chelsea FC after being charged by the English Football Association (FA) with bringing the game into disrepute after testing positive for cocaine.

Official statement
The former Manchester United FC goalkeeper has until 10 January to answer the charges and his club were expected to await the outcome of that before taking any action. However, an official statement on the Chelsea website today confirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge.

'Contract terminated'
"Chelsea FC can confirm that notice has been served on goalkeeper Mark Bosnich that his contract is being terminated under the terms of the FA Premier League," the statement said. "The club will be saying nothing else on the matter during this notice period."

Both tests positive
The 30-year-old failed a first test seven weeks ago, and his B sample proved positive ten days ago, when he was charged by the FA. Bosnich, whose career has stumbled since becoming one of the best keepers in the world during his time at Aston Villa FC, has not played for Chelsea this season. Italian Carlo Cudicini has established himself as Chelsea's No1, and Dutchman Ed De Goey has been on the bench.

Possible ban
Chelsea originally decided to suspend Bosnich, who reportedly earned around €60,000 a week, before the results of the B sample were known. Now Bosnich, who was admitted to a clinic in November suffering from clinical depression, faces a possible year-long worldwide ban.