Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, Chelsea and their manager Jose Mourinho have been charged over the “tapping-up” row, the Premier League have confirmed.
Chelsea have been charged with a breach of Rule K3 over an illegal approach to Cole, alleged to have taken place in a London hotel in January, while Mourinho has been charged over a breach of managers’ conduct.
Cole, who is contracted to Arsenal until 2007, faces charges over breaking Rule K5, which prevents players under contract from talking to other clubs.
Chelsea issued a statement saying: “(the club) acknowledges receipt of the Premier League charges and will continue to co-operate fully with the commission process.”
Mourinho initially denied that he and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had met Cole, although the player has never denied that the meeting took place.
Cole’s manager Arsene Wenger, believes Chelsea are responsible for the meeting.
“I am convinced the meeting took place, although that has not been confirmed,” he said earlier this month.
“This case is very sad and very unfortunate because you don’t expect your neighbours with that power to behave like this.”
