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Chelsea news: FIFA could get involved in Maurizio Sarri appointment
CHELSEA managerial target Maurizio Sarri could end up in court in an effort to force his way out of Napoli.
Chelsea want to appoint Sarri as their new manager, with Antonio Conte set for the axe.
But Sarri’s contract at Napoli - which still has two years to run and hasn’t been torn up despite him being replaced by Carlo Ancelotti - is complicating matters.
The Blues have refused to pay the Italian’s £7m release clause, which expires on Thursday night.
And they will have to negotiate with the Serie A club to prise Sarri out of his current terms, with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis demanding a small fortune.
The Guardian claim Sarri is now at an impasse, with Chelsea refusing to meet Napoli’s demands.
And so his representatives are working out whether they have a case to take to court.
According to the Guardian, Sarri’s lawyers are working out if they can appeal for constructive dismissal, considering Sarri was replaced after guiding Napoli to second in Serie A.
It is claimed the issue could eventually be decided by FIFA.
De Laurentiis has already spoken about Sarri and his departure fee, insisting he has a “defend” Napoli’s interests in negotiations.
“I don’t give anyone discounts and no-one has called me about the clause in Sarri’s contract,” he said.
“This was a clause put in his contract when it was renewed and his salary increased - so now it is going to be paid.
“I have to defend our fans. The clause defends my choices.
“When I modify a contract, it is with agreement. I inserted the clause, and it has to be honoured. Now the clause is not valid? I don’t like this one-sided idea.”
As for Chelsea, matters could further be complicated after Zinedine Zidane left Real Madrid on Thursday.
Fabio Capello is leading the calls for Real to appoint either Sarri or Conte as their new boss.