Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko has denied criticising Jose Mourinho in an interview with a German website.
Quotes attributed to Shevchenko appeared on ARD's sports website on Friday morning, but Chelsea have since said the interview was a 'total fabrication'.
Shevchenko, who was quoted as saying he had complained about Mourinho's treatment of him, insists he never said such things.
The Ukrainian declared: "This is complete rubbish. I have never spoken to this German website or to the journalist who claims to have interviewed me."
A statement from Chelsea added: "The only official comments from Andrei appear on the Chelsea website, his own website or in interviews organised by the club, his sponsors or official pre or post-match press conferences.
"Andrei and Chelsea FC will now be considering what further action to take."
German state TV broadcasters ARD have now announced they are withdrawing the interview and will launch an internal investigation into the matter.
A spokeswoman for ARD has said the interview with Shevchenko was done over the telephone in Russian and that there were apparently problems with language.
no more rift liao. baseless speculation