Chelsea have lost their £9m compensation battle with former boss Antonio Conte, and therefore ordered to pay the Italian

In another blow for the Stamford Bridge outfit, a Premier League arbitration tribunal ruled in Conte’s favour after a 12-month spat.

The Times reports a Premier League managers’ arbitration tribunal ruled in favour of Conte.

However, the case may end up in the High Court if Chelsea refuse to accept the judgment.

The Blues sacked the Italian last summer, a year before his contract was due to expire, but his lawyers argued he was entitled to a £9m (€10.3m) payoff, unless he takes another job.

The club, on the other hand, felt the 49-year-old’s behaviour saw him breach the terms of his employment after he fell out with the likes of Diego Costa.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has shelled out more than £70m (€80m) on compensation for sacked Coaches since buying the Londoners in 2003.