The Empire Strikes Back!

By 40 Years A Blue
January 30 2006

The empire strikes back. Chelsea has this evening issued a statement regarding the on-going saga between John Obi Mikel, FIFA and Man Utd.

Mikel is the player who has been caught in a tug of war between Chelsea and Man Utd and FC Lyn Oslo since probably the poor lad was born. Currently in limbo, Mikel is a young Nigerian International who trained with Chelsea back in the Winter of 2004.

Chelsea's statement is as follows:

"Chelsea Football Club is aware that at least one copy of a private and confidential letter from FC Lyn Oslo and Manchester United to FIFA dated May 18, 2005, that made unfounded allegations against Chelsea in the case of John Obi Mikel, has been leaked to the media.

"It is outrageous that private and confidential correspondence relating to proceedings before FIFA has been deliberately leaked in this way in an attempt to smear Chelsea's name and, more importantly, to undermine an active FIFA process and pressurise Mikel.

"For the record, Chelsea was asked by FIFA for a response after this letter was sent to Chelsea in May 2005. Chelsea informed FIFA at the time that these allegations were without foundation. The leaking of such fabrications some eight months later does not change Chelsea's position.

"As far as Chelsea is concerned this whole issue is a matter for FIFA, which is the correct and most competent authority to decide on it. Such proceedings involve Mikel, United and Lyn. Chelsea is not a party to those proceedings."

Chelsea insist the allegations of misconduct made by United in their letter saying they are 'without foundation' and fabrications.'

 40 Years A Blue