Nine-month ban for Bosnich

'Improper conduct'
The ban, which applies to "all football activities", runs from 23 December last year when Bosnich was initially suspended by the FA after being charged with improper conduct and testing positive for a banned substance.

Both charges 'proven'
"Both charges brought against Mark Bosnich were found to be proven in relation to a positive test for cocaine last year," the FA said in a statement on its official website. English football's ruling body announced its punishment after a two-day disciplinary hearing.

Costs to be paid
Bosnich, whop has 14 days to appeal against the verdict, has not been fined, but must pay costs of up to €14,440. The 31-year-old former Australian international was sacked by his Premiership club Chelsea FC in early January. He had been suspended from all soccer activities until the FA heard his case.

Target testing
The FA said on Tuesday that if Bosnich played for an English club again after serving his ban, he would "be subject to target testing for two years under the jurisdiction of the FA's drug testing programme".

Appeal lodged
The ex-Aston Villa FC player has separately lodged an appeal against a Premiership ruling that upheld Chelsea's decision to dismiss him. In November he had been diagnosed with severe depression and admitted to a clinic for treatment. Bosnich joined Chelsea in 2001 on a free transfer from Manchester United FC but made only seven appearances for the London club before his dismissal.