Liu Yunfei, former goalkeeper of the Chinese national team, has completed an eight-day prison sentence for possessing illegal drugs, Shanghai police confirmed on Monday.

Liu Yunfei, 28, was arrested in March 16 in a Shanghai hotel after he was found "taking part in narcotics-related activities", according to a statement issued by Shanghai police. He was released on Friday after settling an undisclosed fine. Police also declined to divulge the type or quantity of drugs involved.

Formerly a goalkeeper with Tianjin Teda, Liu got his first national team call-up in early 2002. Last year, he was transferred to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua but was later suspended for disciplinary problems. Liu then quit the team and disappeared from soccer.

"The contract between Liu and us ceased to be in effect at the end of last season," said Wu Jinan, Shenhua general manager, yesterday. "He is in de facto retirement now and we can't comment on a retired player who is no longer a member of the Shenhua team."

(Shanghai Daily March 27, 2007)