Associated Press

Nyon, March 21:

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on charges of bringing the game into disrepute after a Champions League match against Barcelona. European soccer’s governing body also opened proceedings against the club itself, assistant manager Steve Clarke and security official Les Miles on the same charges. UEFA accused the parties of making “false declarations” in a report sent by Chelsea following the Champions League first-leg match at Camp Nou on February 23. Barcelona won that game 2-1. Following the match, Mourinho alleged that he saw Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard talking to referee Anders Frisk at halftime. He claimed the meeting influenced the game. “By further disseminating these wrong and unfounded statements, Chelsea FC allowed its technical staff to deliberately create a poisoned and negative ambiance amongst the teams and to put pressure on the refereeing officials,” UEFA said. UEFA’s control and disciplinary body is scheduled to examine the case on March 31. Chelsea, Mourinho and others could face heavy fines and warnings about future conduct. Mourinho’s comments about Frisk were blamed for inciting a spate of death threats against the Swedish referee and his family. Frisk cited the threats in quitting as a referee 10 days ago.