Soccer-Former China keeper Liu detained on drugs charges

BEIJING, March 27 (Reuters) - Former China goalkeeper Liu Yunfei has spent eight days in jail for "taking part in narcotics-related activities" in a Shanghai hotel room, state media reported on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old former international, currently without a club after walking out on Shanghai Shenhua last season, was released last Friday after paying an undisclosed fine, Shanghai police told the official Xinhua news agency.
Liu played for China when they reached the Asian Cup final on home soil in 2004.
His disparaging comments about his team's opponents before the final contributed to an air of hostility towards the Japanese, which manifested itself in riots in Beijing after China's defeat.
Liu moved from Tianjin to Shenhua last year but was suspended by the Shanghai club midway through last season before quitting the club.
"The contract between Liu and us ceased to be in effect automatically by the end of last season," said Wu Jinan, Shenhua general manager, told the Shanghai Daily.
"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."