It was alleged that £15,000-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.

But Chelsea insist the Russian owner has never offered his national side any financial incentive to beat England in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.

A Chelsea statement, posted on the club’s official website, said: “Contrary to media reports this morning in Russia and Britain, Chelsea would like to clarify that Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.

“The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

“Mr Abramovich supports grassroots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s £13m summer signing Florent Malouda admits he is still adapting to the rigours of the Premier League despite an encouraging start to his Stamford Bridge career.

Malouda joined the Blues from Lyon and has started five games for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season.

But Malouda says there are still difficulties to overcome – namely the battle for a regular first team place – but is relishing the challenge ahead.

Malouda said: “I am fine at Chelsea. I am still in an adaptation period. But that does not surprise me.

“It’s not all roses – there are some difficulties. At first, there is very strong competition. Moreover, it is another culture. I have to swallow that.

“But I am happy, It is a new and exciting challenge. It is really great to be in this situation, with a lot of expectations around you. That gives me responsibilities and I love that.

“I just want to be efficient in what I have to do. I always got recognition from coaches. I never make waves and they should appreciate that.”

Chelsea were today mourning the passing of former manager Ian Porterfield, who died of cancer on Tuesday, aged 61.

Porterfield enjoyed 20 months in charge at Stamford Bridge between 1991 and 1993 having returned to the club where he had previously worked as a coach.

As a player, Scottish-born Porterfield was most renowned for firing the winning goal in one of the all-time FA Cup final shocks, when Second Division Sunderland beat Leeds 1-0 in 1973.

He became coach at Chelsea under the management of Bobby Campbell with the team enjoying initial success, winning promotion to the top flight as record-breaking Second Division champions in 1988.

When Campbell left the Chelsea hot seat at the end of the 1990-91 season, Porterfield was eventually appointed by chairman Ken Bates for the start of the new campaign.

His first season in charge saw Chelsea reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 10 years before losing to Porterfield’s former club Sunderland in a replay.

Porterfield left in February 1993 and concentrated on managing lesser known international sides. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.