Mourinho: Say sorry or I'll sue

Jose Mourinho has threatened to sue UEFA for defamation as his war with European football's ruling body takes a dramatic new twist.

The Chelsea coach insists he is not responsible for referee Anders Frisk's decision to retire and is considering legal action against Volker Roth, UEFA's head of refereeing, after he blamed Mourinho for the Swede's decision to stand down.

Speaking for the for first time about the Frisk affair, Mourinho said: "In regard to Mr Roth's words he has only two ways out: he apologises or he will be sued."

In a strongly-worded statement Mourinho refused to retract his attacks on Frisk, insisting the referee should have been strong enough to cope with criticism of his performance in Chelsea's Champions League tie in Barcelona.

Mourinho said: "Above all I regret that Mr Frisk has decided to leave football for reasons that only him should explain. If, as some people say, his decision is associated to the critics for his exhibition in the match against Barcelona I find it odd. Everyday, everywhere, there are critics like these from coaches, directors and players. It's a normal situation.

"A referee with an experience like Mr Frisk wouldn't take such a drastic decision because of the critics to his performance at Barcelona-Chelsea. If there are other motives, I don't know them and I'd like them to be known. If it has something to do with the threats, obviously condemnable, that he claims having received then it's a police case." Mourinho's latest outburst comes as Frisk revealed he had turned down a plea from UEFA yesterday to reconsider his decision to quit.