Former Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Mitch Nichols has accepted a four-match ban imposed by Football Federation Australia (FFA) after admitting cocaine possession last month.
FFA found Nichols breached its code of conduct over his arrest at Casablanca nightclub in Sydney, where he was caught with 1.1 grams of the drug, in the early hours of May 13.
In determining Nichols' sanction, FFA considered his early admission of guilt and his "genuine remorse and contrition for his actions."
He will also be required to undergo a counselling and education course.
"It has been a very humbling time for me and I unreservedly apologise for my error in judgement," Nichols said in a statement released by Professional Footballers Australia.
"I have accepted the consequences and I am now focused on moving forward with my career."
Although Nichols' contract with the Wanderers officially expired at the end of May, he was still liable to be charged under FFA's code of conduct given that he is a registered player under its jurisdiction.
The four-game suspension is likely to become an unwanted hurdle in the 28-year-old's ambitions to continue his career overseas.