Soccer: Chelsea will not appeal UEFA punishments

LONDON - English Premier League club Chelsea will not appeal against Uefa punishments handed to the club and coach Jose Mourinho over incidents involving Swedish referee Anders Frisk during last month's Champions League match in Barcelona.

"Chelsea can confirm that, following the receipt of the detailed reasons from Uefa, we will not be appealing any of the penalties imposed on the club or any individual," the London club said today.

Chelsea were fined 75,000 Swiss francs ($90,000) and Mourinho was given a two-match touchline ban by European soccer's governing body last week.

"As indicated on Friday, we are not happy with that verdict but we accept it," the statement said.

The club, charged with bringing the game into disrepute, had alleged that Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard visited Frisk during halftime of their Champions League first knockout round game at the Nou Camp on February 23.

Uefa had accused Chelsea of making false declarations and "deliberately creating a poisoned and negative ambience" after they refused to attend the post-match news conference and submitted a report detailing their allegations.

Mourinho, who was also fined 20,000 Swiss francs, will have to sit in the stands for both legs of the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. The first game is at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (NZ time).

Chelsea have decided that appealing against Uefa's punishment would upset their preparations and risk a longer touchline ban for Mourinho.

"In our view an appeal would interrupt crucial preparations for the Bayern matches and, under the rules, could lead to a further ban for Jose Mourinho. This decision has been taken with that in mind," the statement said.

The premier league leaders, who beat Barca 5-4 on aggregate, will travel to Munich for the return leg in Germany six days later.

Mourinho's assistant Steve Clarke and Chelsea security official Les Miles were reprimanded after also being charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

Frisk received death threats from Chelsea fans following the match in Spain and announced his retirement from refereeing, leading to condemnation of Chelsea by Uefa.

Uefa's head of refereeing Volker Roth was quoted describing Mourinho as an enemy of soccer and the Portuguese coach threatened to sue, although Uefa later said Roth's words were mistranslated.

Chelsea, who were leading Barca 1-0 at halftime, lost the first leg 1-2 after striker Didier Drogba was sent off but went through to the quarterfinals with a thrilling 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Mourinho were charged last month by the premier league over an illegal approach to Arsenal defender Ashley Cole.

Mourinho was also fined by the English FA in March over comments made after a League Cup match against Manchester United.

- REUTERS