Chelsea Want Mikel Pay-Back

John Obi Mikel arrived at Stamford Bridge in June 2006 following a much publicised battle with Manchester United and FC Lyn Oslo over his rights.

Both Chelsea and United claimed to have signed him and, after initially appearing more than happy in a red shirt, Mikel eventually became a Chelsea player after a year of arguing gave him an enforced career break whilst United and Lyn were paid £12million and £4million respectively by way of compensation.

Anyway, as we now know, Oslo’s chief executive Morgan Andersen wasn’t the most honest of men to grace the football world and following a criminal conviction for falsifying Mikel’s transfer documents which saw him given a year’s suspended prison sentence, Chelsea have now decided to seek some cash back.

 

Chelsea have begun legal proceedings against both Andersen and Lyn Oslo to recoup the £16million because they believe the transfer was based on "fraudulent misrepresentation".

 

In other words, they were well stitched up. A Chelsea statement says:

 

“Chelsea Football Club has issued a claim at the High Court in relation to the transfer of Jon Obi Mikel in June 2006. The claim is against FC Lyn Oslo and Morgan Andersen and follows the criminal conviction in Norway of Lyn’s former chief executive officer Morgan Andersen. It is for the entire £16 million 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.”

 

If it’s anything like the Mutu saga though, I wouldn’t suggest they hold their breath!