It appears as though Chelsea might have a bone to pick with their Premier League arch-rivals, after it has emerged that Morgan Andersen, the former chief executive of Lyn Oslo, has been convicted of fraud in the Norwegian courts. This means that the transfer agreement regarding Jon Obi Mikel has been thrown into disarray, and that the Stamford Bridge club could sue Manchester United for the princely sum of £12 million.
The Times reports that although Chelsea have initially issued a court writ against Andersen and Lyn Oslo for £16 million, it appears as though the latter are in no sort of financial position to stump up that kind of money. Therefore, the Blues may well turn their attention to Old Trafford, it’s clear that Peter Kenyon and Co feel as though they have had the wool pulled over their eyes on this sham of a transfer deal.
Chelsea held several discussions with Lyn officials in London this week and are confident of reaching a settlement, although they chose to underpin their claim by issuing a writ in the High Court. The club have not ruled out going after United, as their rivals made £12 million out of selling on a player who was on their books only as a result of a forged contract.
“Chelsea Football Club has issued a claim at the High Court in relation to the transfer of John Obi Mikel in June 2006,” a Chelsea statement read. “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. “
Manchester United received £12 million from Chelsea after selling on Mikel, despite him only being on the books at Old Trafford as a result of a forged contract. Is this dispute set to run on for months and potentially years? And will it lead to there being plenty of bad blood between the two Premier League giants?
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