Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Chelsea launch Mikel claim

10 Oct 2008 - 13:25:59

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Chelsea have launched a £16million High Court claim against Lyn Oslo and their former chief executive Morgan Andersen over the transfer of John Obi Mikel.

The Stamford Bridge club are seeking the repayment of the transfer fee they paid for Mikel after claiming 'fraudulent misrepresentation' that the player had a contract with the Norwegian club.

The Nigeria midfielder was involved in a transfer tug-of-war between Chelsea and Manchester United before ultimately joining the London club in June 2006.

"The claim is against FC Lyn Oslo and Morgen Andersen and follows the criminal conviction in Norway of Lyn's former chief executive officer Morgan Andersen," read a club statement.

"It is for the entire £16million fee paid by Chelsea for the player, as it is now clear following Andersen's conviction that the transfer was based on the fraudulent misrepresentation that Mikel had an employment contract with Lyn.

"At the time of the transfer, Chelsea, Lyn and Manchester United agreed that the fees paid would be in final settlement of the transfer, any claims related to it and that no further action or comment regarding the transfer would be made.

"Chelsea has written to Lyn to make clear that because the transfer was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation, now proven by a court of law, the settlement previously agreed is not binding.

"Chelsea is in contact with Lyn and looks forward to working positively with them to resolve the claim promptly.

"Chelsea would like to make clear that this legal action is against Lyn and Morgen Andersen."