Mourinho, Cole lose appeal but have fines cut

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole lost their appeals over the 'tapping up' affair yesterday but had their fines cut to £75,000 ($134,700) each.

Mourinho was fined £200,000 ($356,900) in June for his part in an illegal approach to Cole.

Chelsea were also fined £300,000 and Cole £100,000 after all three parties had been found guilty of breaking Premier League rules by attending a meeting at a London hotel on January 27. Although English champions Chelsea accepted their punishment, Mourinho and Cole appealed the verdict.

Along with the fine, Chelsea were also warned they would be docked three points if they committed a similar offence during the 2005-06 season.

After yesterday's hearings for Mourinho and Cole the Premier League Appeals Committee said in a statement: "In both cases, the... committee has dismissed the appeals on findings.

"However, in respect of Ashley Cole's appeal on sanctions the committee found in favour in part and in doing so reduced the fine imposed from £100,000 to £75,000.

"The committee also found in favour in part in Jose Mourinho's appeal on his sanction, deciding that although he had a greater responsibility as a manager and being a club representative, he was less culpable for the arranged meeting. As such his fine is reduced from £200,000 to £75,000."

Chelsea indicated that Mourinho would accept the verdict.