Lisbon, Oct 16 (IANS): Portuguese football side Benfica has started legal proceedings against its former coach Jorge Jesus demanding a compensation of 14 million euros ($15.9 million) over accusations of a unilateral termination of his contract.

The claim lodged by the Portuguese club was accepted by a court in Lisbon on Thursday. The court will examine the complaint and hear the defendant's arguments before issuing its ruling in this lawsuit, reports Efe.

Benfica is suing Jesus, current coach of Sporting Lisbon, on the grounds that he moved to the rival club before the official expiry of his contract last June 30.

The Portuguese coach argues that he was released from his duties and was even prohibited from entering the premises of Benfica on June 4, so he was free from that point to sign with another team.

Jesus's signing with Sporting Lisbon generated intense controversy in Portugal, since he was seen as a symbol of Benfica for six years, when he won a total of ten titles, including three Primeira Liga titles and one Taca de Portugal trophy.