Chelsea pay millions in coaches dismissal

English Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich will have to pay at least GBP 7.5 million in compensation for terminating manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

José Mourinho received nearly GBP 20 million when he was removed. When Avram Grant was sacked, the payout was GBP 5 million. Now with Scolari's termination, Abramovich has another payment to make.

The severance pay given to fired managers is almost equal to the amount needed to buy player Robson de Souza, known as Robinho, from Manchester City for GBP 34.2 million. The club could lose a great deal of money if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

To date, Abramovich has invested GBP 600 million into Chelsea. The chief executive, Peter Kenyon, is hoping for the club to become financially independent by July, meaning not dependent on Abromovich's investment.

Chelsea has earned GBP 40 million from the group stage this season, and more money is to come. The club will suffer a loss should they fall from the top four in the Premier League.