Eva Carneiro's Lawyers Serve Constructive Dismissal Claim Against Chelsea

Chelsea could be taken to tribunal by Eva Carneiro after it was reported the former team doctor's lawyers served the club papers notifying it of her intent to claim for constructive dismissal.

The Press Association reported Carneiro gave the club notice this week after failing to reach a severance package (via the Guardian), and an employment tribunal will follow unless the case can be settled out of court.

It's added that cases such as these "are usually settled before" a public hearing can take place as the accused may run the risk of being embarrassed depending on the details of the claim.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Carneiro's action comes in relation to her departure from Chelsea in September, fuelled by Jose Mourinho's alleged treatment of the medic during the 2-2 draw against Swansea City on August 8.

In that fixture, Carneiro and fellow medical team member Jon Fearn ran on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard against Mourinho's wishes, temporarily reducing the Blues to nine men.

Per the Daily Mail, the Chelsea manager proceeded to call his two staff members "impulsive and naive" before Carneiro was relieved of match duties and seemingly demoted to training duties only.

The Guardian quoted the Gibraltar-born doctor earlier this month, where she confirmed the Football Association had not asked her to provide evidence on the matter:

"

I was surprised to learn that the FA was allegedly investigating the incident of August 8 via the press. I was at no stage requested by the FA to make a statement.

I wonder whether this might be the only formal investigation in this country where the evidence of the individuals involved in the incident was not considered relevant. Choosing to ignore some of the evidence will surely influence the outcome of the findings.

"

Mourinho was cleared of any wrongdoing by the FA last month, but Carneiro has chosen to take advantage of the three-month window in which she was permitted to launch a claim, scheduled to close on November 8.

According to the Telegraph's Ben Rumsby, Carneiro stands to sue Chelsea for "hundreds of thousands of pounds" should the case reach tribunal, and perhaps even if a settlement is reached before then.

It's but the latest twist in what's been a dismal campaign for the defending Premier League champions, who were knocked out of the League Cup on Wednesday after suffering a penalty-shootout defeat to Stoke City.