Chelsea file Mikel court claim
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Chelsea have issued a claim to the High Court over the transfer of midfielder John Obi Mikel from Lyn Oslo to recoup the fee totalling £16 million they paid for the player two years ago.
The action is in response to the criminal conviction of former Lyn chief executive Morgen Andersen, as Chelsea are claiming that the fee they paid for Mikel was based on their understanding that the Nigeria international was under contract with Lyn.
Andersen’s subsequent conviction has, Chelsea claim, uncovered a “fraudulent misrepresentation” of Mikel’s employment status with Lyn when the fee for the move was agreed.
A statement from Chelsea read: “Chelsea Football Club has issued a claim at the High Court in relation to the transfer of Jon Mikel Obi 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 Morgen 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.
“Chelsea would like to make clear that this legal action is against Lyn and Morgen Andersen.”