Relations between Manchester United and Chelsea nose-dived on Wednesday when United revealed they had reported their rivals to the Premier League over allegations that Peter Kenyon had begun working for the London club without clearance.
Former United chief executive Kenyon stunned the football world last month by announcing he was quitting Old Trafford to take up a similar post at Chelsea following the club’s takeover by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Kenyon, however, remains under contract to United and was supposed to be on ”gardening leave” while the two clubs seek to reach an agreement regarding when he can start his new post.
A report in Spain quoted Real Madrid’s director of football Jorge Valdano saying he had talked with Kenyon about Chelsea signing Michel Salgado. United have pointed out the matter to the Premier League.
Under the terms of Kenyon’s contract with United he was obliged to give a full year’s notice and Chelsea will have to pay compensation to allow him to start work earlier.
If they can prove that Chelsea have already breached the rules, it will strengthen United’s hands in negotiations which a spokesperson confirmed were still continuing.
”Negotiations are on-going and no agreement has been reached on settling the departure date,” the spokesperson said. — Sapa-AFP