Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole could use a restraint-of-trade defence in his Premier League 'tapping-up' hearing. The Guardian reports Cole may argue that the Premier League's rule that a player under contract cannot approach another club is incorrect.
This is not set to have a huge bearing at the 17/18 May hearing as it will decide if rules have been broken and approaches were made involving Chelsea.
But it may spark a court case over a rule rare among European leagues.
Fifa, world football's governing body, also does not state any restrictions on such a matter and that does not bode well for the legality of the Premier League's K5 stipulation.
If Cole's case is taken to court and proven the Premier League could be forced to rewrite its rule book.
Cole, Chelsea and their manager Jose Mourinho have each made submissions for the hearing and Cole's statement apparently also insists he did not instigate any meeting.
The hearing was initially been scheduled for next week but the postponement has been caused by "the nature and complexity of the defence put forward by the parties has necessitated the gathering of more evidence and witness statements".
MMIX
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