Liu Yunfei, 28, was detained on March 16 after he was found "taking part in narcotics-related activities" in a city hotel room, according to a statement issued by Shanghai police through Xinhua news agency. He was released on Friday after paying an unknown sum in fines.

Police did not disclose the type or quantity of drugs involved.

A former Tianjin Teda keeper, Liu was first called up to national duty in early 2002. He moved to Chinese Super League outfit² Shanghai Shenhua early last year but had disciplinary problems and was suspended by the club midway through the season. Liu then quit the team and disappeared from soccer.

"The contract between Liu and us ceased to be in effect automatically by the end of last season," said Wu Jinan, Shenhua general manager, yesterday. "He is in de facto retirement³ now and we can't comment on a retired⁴ player who is no longer a member of the Shenhua team."