LONDON: Chelsea on Friday began proceedings in England’s High Court aimed at recovering 16 million pounds they paid for John Mikel Obi. The Nigerian midfielder joined Chelsea in June 2006 with the London club paying four million pounds to Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo and a further 12 million to Manchester United, who had a prior agreement to sign the player.

Chelsea are claiming all of the money back from Lyn and their former chief executive Morgan Andersen as they now believe that the player was not under contract to the Norwegian club at the time.

The claim is based on details that emerged in a recent court case which resulted in Andersen being convicted for fraud. A Chelsea statement said: “At the time of the transfer, Chelsea, Lyn and Manchester United agreed that the fees paid would be in final settlement of the transfer, any claims related to it and that no further action or comment regarding the transfer would be made.

“Chelsea has written to Lyn to make clear that because the transfer was based on a fraudulent misrepresentation, now proven by a court of law, the settlement previously agreed is not binding. Chelsea is in contact with Lyn and looks forward to working positively with them to resolve the claim promptly. Chelsea would like to make clear that this legal action is against Lyn and Morgan Andersen.”