Mourinho's comments could get Chelsea kicked out of Champions League
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Stephen Wade / Associated Press
Posted: 38 minutes ago
LONDON (AP) - Chelsea could be kicked out of the Champions League for manager Jose Mourinho's claims that Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard influenced referee Anders Frisk at halftime of a Champions League game.
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"The sanctions include the full range of things, from a reprimand to expulsion from the competition, and everything in between," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said. "The case might also be thrown out. We regard this a very, very serious matter."
In an unusually strongly-worded statement, UEFA on Monday charged Mourinho with bringing the game into disrepute. The European governing body stopped just short of accusing Chelsea officials of lying but said Mourinho had created a "poisoned and negative" atmosphere at the match.
UEFA also opened proceedings against the club itself, assistant manager Steve Clarke and security official Les Miles on the same charges.
Apart from the possibility of Chelsea being kicked out of the competition, Mourinho and the others could face match bans or fines.
Mourinho alleged that he saw Rijkaard talk to Frisk in the referee's dressing room at halftime of the Feb. 23 game at Camp Nou. He claimed the meeting influenced the game.
Frisk sent off Chelsea striker Didier Drogba in the second half and Barcelona rallied from a goal down to win 2-1.
UEFA accused Mourinho of making "false declarations" in a report sent by Chelsea following the match.
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"By further disseminating these wrong and unfounded statements, Chelsea FC allowed its technical staff to deliberately create a poisoned and negative ambiance amongst the teams and to put pressure on the refereeing officials," UEFA said.
In a brief statement Monday, the London club said: "Chelsea is in receipt of the UEFA charge of bringing the game into disrepute and is reviewing our position before making any response."
UEFA's control and disciplinary body is scheduled to examine the case March 31. A ruling is expected the same day.
Chelsea is to face Bayern Munich on April 6 in the first-leg quarterfinals, and play the return leg April 12.
"The situation generated by the Barcelona incidents, it's quite grave for the future of football," Gaillard said. "This is bringing the game into disrepute, and also it is using a kind of 'the end justifies the means.' You are ready to use even disloyal methods to get there, and frankly this is totally and completely unacceptable."
Gaillard disputed a statement by two Chelsea officials - given to UEFA - saying they saw Rijkaard entering the referee's dressing room.
"We know from where they were standing they couldn't see the door to the referee's dressing room," Gaillard said.
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He also contested claims by Mourinho, published in a Portuguese magazine, that he saw Rijkaard entering the referee's room.
"It didn't happen," Gaillard said.
Mourinho's comments about Frisk were blamed for inciting a spate of death threats against the Swedish referee and his family. Frisk cited the threats in quitting as a referee 10 days ago.
Chelsea beat Barcelona 4-2 in the second-leg match in London on March 8, advancing to the quarterfinals 5-4 on aggregate.
UEFA disciplinary regulations relating to principles of conduct state: "Member associations, clubs, as well as their players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship."
