Blues seek £16m in Obi case

THE bizarre saga of John Mikel Obi’s transfer to Chelsea took another twist yesterday with the Blues issuing a High Court claim for £16 million (€20m) from FC Lyn Oslo and disgraced former official Morgan Andersen.

Chelsea paid £16m for the Nigeria international two years ago after one of the most protracted and controversial transfers in British football history.

But, although they want their money back, Chelsea are privately stressing they are not seeking to put the Norwegians out of business.

Officials from Lyn held talks with Chelsea in London this week and at the same time as the Blues revealed details of their High Court action yesterday, Lyn disclosed their “positive” discussions in a statement.

Chelsea paid Manchester United £12m (€15m) for Mikel, with Lyn receiving the remainder of the transfer fee. United’s involvement in the saga stemmed from their original signing of the midfielder but Chelsea are not seeking to claim any cash back from United or involve them in their case.

The court case was sparked by Andersen’s conviction in an Oslo court for making false accusations and fraud. He was given a one-year suspended sentence. As a result of his conviction, Chelsea informed Lynn it was clear the deal was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation that the player had an employment contract with Lyn.

A Chelsea statement said: “The claim is against Lyn Oslo and Morgan Andersen and follows the criminal conviction in Norway of Lyn’s former chief executive Morgan Andersen.

“It is for the entire £16m fee paid by Chelsea for the player as it is now clear following Andersen’s conviction the transfer was based on fraudulent misrepresentation that Mikel had an employment contract with Lyn. Chelsea is in contact with Lyn and looks forward to working positively with them to resolve the claim.”

Although Chelsea are gunning for the return of the entire fee, the most likely result will be an out-of-court settlement given the positive discussions between the two clubs.

Meanwhile Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has lost €15 billion on the Russian stock exchange, it was revealed yesterday. Abramovich saw his fortune dwindle as Russia’s Micex Index went into freefall. The value of two of his firms on the Moscow-based index, steel maker Evraz and mining company Highland Gold, left the Russian €15.1bn lighter in his pocket.