Chelsea
and Jose Mourinho have reached a settlement with former team doctor Eva
Carneiro over claims she was constructively dismissed by the club and
discriminated against by its former manager.
Manchester United manager Mourinho - who had not been expected to attend
until he was due to give evidence next Monday and Tuesday - arrived at the
tribunal in Croydon just after 1pm on Tuesday, along with Chelsea chairman
Bruce Buck.
Their arrival delayed the start of day two, during which Carneiro was due to
begin giving evidence, but after last-minute talks between the parties, a
settlement was agreed shortly before 3.30pm.
The case was expected to last seven to 10 days and on Monday it was revealed
that Carneiro had refused £1.2m to settle her claims with Mourinho and
Chelsea.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club is
pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Dr Carneiro which
brings her employment tribunal proceedings against the club and Jose
Mourinho to an end.
"The club regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the
club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress
caused. We wish to place on record that in running onto the pitch Dr
Carneiro was following both the rules of the game and fulfilling her
responsibility to the players as a doctor, putting their safety first.
"Dr Carneiro has always put the interests of the club's players first. Dr
Carneiro is a highly competent and professional sports doctor. She was a
valued member of the club's medical team and we wish her every success in
her future career.
"Jose Mourinho also thanks Dr Carneiro for the excellent and dedicated
support she provided as First Team Doctor and he wishes her a successful
career."
A statement from Carneiro read: "I am relieved that today we have been able
to conclude this tribunal case. It has been an extremely difficult and
distressing time for me and my family and I now look forward to moving
forward with my life.
"My priority has always been the health and safety of the players and
fulfilling my duty of care as a doctor. In running onto the pitch to treat a
player, who requested medical attention, I was following the rules of the
game and fulfilling my medical responsibilities.
"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me including my husband,
family and friends and members of the football community."
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