Roman wore his death mask ... Big Phil knew the game was up

The oligarch, appalled at Chelsea's failure to beat or even score against Hull at the weekend, "leapt into action" and once he had landed in the Britain, headed straight for the team's training ground in Surrey where he summoned Scolari to an urgent meeting.

"This isn't working," Scolari was then told as Abramovich's stern look - the face he has used to sack several managers before him - slipped into an apologetic smile. Scolari is said to have smiled too, the pain of his failure eased by the promise of a £7.5 million pay off.

The two men then shook hands on a deal which will see Big Phil paid off for the remaining 17 months of his two-year contract - a remarkable sum after just seven months in charge.

With the deed done, Abramovich, his right hand Eugene Tenenbaum and Bruce Buck, Chelsea's chairman, turned on their heels and left, leaving Scolari to say his goodbyes largely to reserve team players still at the training ground.

His first team regulars are away on international duty, including his captain John Terry, whom Abramovich rang directly to tell him the news. That was followed by another call to Frank Lampard, also on England duty.

They were said to be shocked by Scolari's dismissal. Although the team had been playing poorly - last May they were one penalty kick away from being European champions and now find themselves fourth in the league - players had expected Scolari to last to the end of the season.

Instead, Chelsea find themselves looking for a new manager, Abramovich having paid out a credit crunch-busting £35 million in compensation to the four bosses he has sacked in under five years.

The first manager to experience the "death mask" treatment was Claudio "The Tinkerman" Ranieri, who received a cut-price £3 million when sacked in June 2004, followed by a staggering £20 million for Jose "The Special One" Mourinho and £5 million for Avram "The Undertaker" Grant.

Scolari, who took Brazil to World Cup glory but could not guide Chelsea past Burnley in the Carling Cup, is refusing to take the blame for Chelsea slipping in the league, having been starved of the kind of money that has now been lavished on severance pay for four managers.

Scolari's Brazilian agent Acaz Felleger said today: "The agreement was to rejuvenate an ageing team. Scolari had wanted Robinho but Chelsea didn't want to spend the money. The decision to part company was Abramovich's."

But a source close to Abramovich, 42, said the fear of failing to qualify for the Champions League at a cost of up to £50 million had led to Scolari's dismissal. A Chelsea insider said today: "The Hull result put finishing in the top four in doubt." At least it shows that doubts over Abramovich's continuing interest in the club can be put aside. He still craves success, he just may not go to as many games as he used to.

For now Scolari will stay in England, until the summer at least. According to Brazilian newspapers, his youngest son is now studying in Britain and Scolari, 60, a committed family man underpinned by his Catholic faith, does not wish to interrupt his boy's studies.

A source said: "The coach is not thinking of accepting a new job immediately but the decision could change should a new offer coincide with the interests of his family, particular his youngest son."

With £7.5 million in his back pocket, Big Phil will be in no rush.

Sent off early at Stamford Bridge - four managers shown the door at a cost of £35m

Claudio ranieri September 2000 to May 2004
Why was he sacked? Nicknamed the Tinkerman, Ranieri was deemed a failure despite reaching a Champions League semi-final and finishing runners-up in the league.
Best quote: "I'm like Frank Sinatra, I always do it my way."
Where is he now? In charge of Juventus, currently second in Italy's Serie A.
Payoff: £3 million

Jose Mourinho June 2004 to September 2007
Why was he sacked? Deprived of transfer funds, Mourinho got very, very cross, Chelsea began playing very, very dull football —and Abramovich had had enough.
Best quote: "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."
Where is he now? In charge of Inter Milan, top of Serie A.
Payoff: £20 million

Avram Grant September 2007 to May 2008
Why was he sacked? His team did almost as well as Mourinho's, coming second in the league and runners-up in the Champions League but crucially they failed to win either.
Best quote: "I am not the Special One'. I'm the normal one. But my wife says I am special ..."
Where is he now? Still in London but out of work.
Payoff: £5 million

Luiz Felipe Scolari July 2008 to February 2009
Why was he sacked? Abramovich wanted Brazilian football. Instead he got a 0-0 draw with Hull. It all went downhill for Big Phil, whose resemblance to Gene Hackman surpasses his achievements at Chelsea.
Best quote: "My problem is I'm stupid, I tell the truth while others lie."
Where is he now? On his way to the job centre.
Payoff: £7.5 million