Cole arrives for verdict

Ashley Cole arrived at Premier League headquarters today for the verdict which could see himself, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho punished after allegations the Premiership champions ‘tapped up’ the England and Arsenal defender.

Ashley Cole arrived at Premier League headquarters today for the verdict which could see himself, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho punished after allegations the Premiership champions ‘tapped up’ the England and Arsenal defender.

An announcement from the independent commission appointed to hear the case was due by mid-afternoon, and Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was another early arrival at Connaught Place, home to the Premier League offices.

The Premier League were preparing to present the conclusions to their investigation into newspaper claims made in January that Cole, his agent Jonathan Barnett, Mourinho, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and another agent, Pini Zahavi, met at the Royal Park Hotel at Lancaster Gate, London.

Cole, Chelsea and Mourinho were all handed individual charges.

Should it be proven the meeting did take place, it would represent a breach of the competition’s rules governing contact with a player under contract at another club.

Zahavi and Barnett do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Premier League and therefore there could not be any imposition on them today, however the Premier League can pass on the independent commission’s findings to the Football Association.

The charges were laid on March 23, with Cole, Chelsea and Mourinho having their cases heard over two days last month, on May 17 and 18.

Cole’s charge was under the Premier League’s rule K5, concerning approaches from players to clubs, while Chelsea were cited in accordance to rule K3, which deals with clubs speaking out of turn to players.

Mourinho, who led Chelsea to the Barclays Premiership title in his first season at Stamford Bridge, was charged under rule Q, governing managers’ conduct.

The independent commission was chaired by Sir Philip Otton QC, who sat on the case in the company of Malcolm George and David Dent.

If found guilty, the Premier League could dock points from Chelsea and levy severe fines on the club and Mourinho. They could equally suspend Cole and fine the full-back.

The record fine meted out to an English club currently stands at the £1.5m (€2.22m) which Tottenham were ordered to pay after being found guilty of illegal payments to players in 1994.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Mauricio Pochettino file photo I enjoy it – Mauricio Pochettino happy with life at Chelsea despite poor results
Leicester City File Photo Leicester seal Premier League return as Leeds are beaten
Arne Slot File Photos Liverpool reach verbal agreement with Arne Slot to take over as manager
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited