Top football agent Saif Rubie is accused of abusing a key aide to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich over an alleged unpaid commission in the transfer of Kurt Zouma, a court heard.
The 44-year-old has been charged with sending a malicious communication to Marina Granovskaia in May this year, when she was a director at Stamford Bridge.
It is said Rubie sent her an email while chasing £300,000 in unpaid commission from Zouma’s £29 million switch to West Ham.
Rubie appeared at Southwark crown court for a hearing on Wednesday, as his case was set down for a trial in May 2024.
“The case involves a contractual dispute, we suggest, between the defendant and the complainant in this matter, one of the managers at Chelsea Football Club”, said Rubie’s barrister, Warwick Aleeson.
“It was over the transfer of a player in excess of 30 million euros and commission owed to this defendant.”
Rubie, listed at court under the name Saif Alrubie, did not enter a plea to the charge of sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
The case was adjourned for a further hearing on April 4 next year.
Rubie was set free on bail, on the conditions he does not contact Ms Granovskaia and informs police of his international travel plans.
Rubie, who lives in Hammersmith, first appeared on the charge at Westminster magistrates court last month.
He has acted in the past on behalf of former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, and is known as a leading agent in the industry.
Ms Granovskaia is a trusted aide of Mr Abramovich and departed from Chelsea after the takeover by Todd Boehly.
