Chelsea ponder legal action over savage UEFA attack

CHELSEA are standing by their original allegations and considering their legal position following Monday’s savaging by UEFA.

The club were stunned by the ferocity of the European governing body’s attack, in which they were accused of telling lies and deliberately poisoning the atmosphere between themselves and Barcelona, and are refusing to withdraw their evidence.

Chelsea have yet to formulate an official response but it is understood they will repeat claims that referee Anders Frisk met Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard at half-time of last month’s Champions League clash when their case is heard by UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body on 31 March.

Their next step may be a letter of complaint to UEFA, a formal appeal or even legal action. Chelsea are seething at the inflammatory language.

Senior figures at Stamford Bridge fear the club have already been found guilty and some are even questioning the independence of the Control and Disciplinary Board.

A source said: “UEFA appear to have come to their conclusions without considering both sides of the argument. They have completely jumped the gun, acting as judge and jury. How can we hope to receive a fair hearing?”

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has met with Jose Mourinho to discuss the club’s position and is expected to back his manager 100%.

Meanwhile, Manchester United want the format of the Champions League changed to help more big clubs reach the last eight.

United lost in the first knockout stage this season, as did Real Madrid, Barcelona and holders Porto.

United chief executive David Gill said: “At the moment we effectively have a random draw after the group stage. Maybe we should use a system where the holders are rated number one and they play the 16th ranked team, number two v 15, and so on.”

Gill is concerned that the competition will lose some of its pulling power if the ‘glamour’ clubs go out early. “It’s not good for the big clubs, not good for TV and sponsors if there are no Spanish clubs in the quarter-finals.

“Given it is unlikely we will ever go back to a situation of having two group stages, maybe we should use a system during the knock-out phase that also reflects the rankings.

“AC Milan were discussing this before we played them, so it is not a knee-jerk reaction.”