The Premier League have started the process of appointing an independent
disciplinary commission into Chelsea's alleged 'tapping up' of Ashley Cole.
After considering the evidence gathered from their lawyer Nick Fitzpatrick
into a meeting between Chelsea, Cole and his agent, Jonathan Barnett, at a
London hotel, the Premier League have now charged both Chelsea and their
manager, Jose Mourinho, as well Arsenal's England full-back himself with a
breach of the competition rules.
A statement from the Premier League read: "On Sunday, February 6, the board
of the FA Premier League launched a formal inquiry following allegations that
Chelsea FC may have acted in breach of Premier League Rule K3 regarding
approaches to players already contracted to another club.
"As a result of that inquiry, the board of the FA Premier League have today
issued the following charges:
"1 - Chelsea FC have been charged with a breach of Rule K3, governing
approaches to players.
"2 - Jose Mourinho has been charged with a breach of Rule Q, governing
managers' conduct.
"3 - Ashley Cole has been charged with a breach of Rule K5, governing
approaches by players to clubs.
"Consequently, the board will be asking for a formal response to these
charges within 14 days and have begun the process of appointing a three-person
independent commission, in accordance with their disciplinary procedures, to
determine this matter.
"The board wish to state that they have so far received co-operation from
Chelsea FC, Mr Mourinho and Mr Cole and expect this to continue."
However, the statement added: "As licensed agents, Mr Jonathan Barnett and Mr
Pini Zahavi do not fall within the jurisdiction of the FA Premier League for the
purposes of this matter.
"The board will be forwarding information gathered during the inquiry to the
Football Association with a view to considering whether further steps should be
taken in relation to their actions."
The independent three-man commission will be headed by a Queen's Counsel
barrister, who will oversee the formal proceedings.
These, however, would not be managed by the Premier League - with the hearing
conducted independently, and any ruling made would be done so independently.
That would, under the competition's rules, be binding.
If they are eventually found guilty Chelsea, will probably escape with a
substantial fine, although a full range of punishments - even up to expulsion
from the competition - are open to the commission, under provision of Section R
of the Premier League's rules.
Chelsea will be able to point to precedents - Liverpool were fined £20,000 for
making an illegal approach for Christian Ziege, and more recently Aston Villa
were warned and ordered to pay costs for making an illegal approach for James
Beattie.
Chelsea issued a brief statement on Wednesday evening which read: ``We acknowledge receipt
of the Premier League charges and will continue to co-operate fully with the
commission process.''
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