Former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro and her one-time employers were described as being ‘far apart financially’ as her legal fight against the club looked to be heading for a public tribunal today.
Dr Carneiro is claiming constructive dismissal against Chelsea, after she left her role in September following a high profile row with former Blues manager Jose Mourinho.
He branded her ‘impulsive and naive’ after she ran onto the pitch to treat midfielder Eden Hazard in the dying minutes of a match.
Lawyers for the three parties spent around six-and-a-half hours in discussions today, but are believed to have failed to reach a financial deal – meaning details of the 42-year-old’s acrimonious departure from Chelsea could be made public.
Dr Carneiro refused to speak to the media as she left the employment tribunal building in Croydon accompanied by her husband, polar explorer Jason De Carteret, but shook her head briefly when asked if a resolution had been reached.
After Monday’s private hearing at the London South Employment Tribunal, Dr Carneiro’s barrister Mary O’Rourke QC refused to be drawn on whether a deal had been reached with representatives from Chelsea, saying: ‘Mediation proceedings are confidential.’
The dispute over her departure from the club is now likely to stretch into the summer, with the case scheduled to proceed to a full employment tribunal in June.
That would be held in public and could see Mourinho, Dr Carneiro and representatives from Chelsea called to appear as witnesses.
Documents including text messages and emails sent by Mourinho and Carneiro are likely to be used as evidence – an embarrassing prospect which Chelsea would have wanted to avoid.
Earlier today, Dr Carneiro’s barrister, Mary O’Rourke QC, told ITV News that she was not close to making a deal with the club over compensation.
‘We’re not expecting a resolution today,’ She said. ‘The two sides are so far apart financially.
‘And we want Mr Mourinho to make a public apology.’
Dr Carneiro is demanding ‘substantial damages’ according to her lawyer.
Mourinho, who was sacked by Chelsea in December after a disastrous string of results, did not attend the private hearing today.
However, he could be called to appear as a witnesses at a full tribunal, and, if summoned, would be obliged to attend, facing a possible fine of £1,000 if he does not show up.