Cole team plans further appeal

Ashley Cole’s legal team admits it is “very likely” they will take a restraint of trade case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after losing their appeal against his guilty verdict in the tapping-up row with Chelsea.

Cole’s fine for illegal talks with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon has now been reduced from £100,000 (€145,000) to £75,000 (€109,000) by a Premier League appeals committee.