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.”