Sheffield United wait drags on

English Sheffield United likely will have to wait even longer to see if the club remains relegated or takes the step back up to the Premier League after a short stay in the second tier.

Originally, a decision on whether the club would win an appeal on West Ham's punishment for transfer-rule violations was supposed to be handed down by the end of June. Now, it appears the decision will come in early July.

That drags the wait closer to August, meaning it's highly unlikely Sheffield United would receive promotion.

Sheffield United claimed that West Ham should have not only been fined for the mishandled signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, but docked points as well. As events unfolded, West Ham stayed in the Premier League while Sheffield United dropped. The original decision factored in West Ham fan reaction and the lateness of the season.

Instead, West Ham was fined GBP 5.5 million for the deals. Now, Sheffield United has been accused of the same thing.

The arbitration tribunal can order a new disciplinary commission be set up to review the West Ham case, or rule that the Premier League handled the affair completely by the book.

A third option would be for the tribunal to declare that there are no grounds to order a new disciplinary commission for West Ham, but that Sheffield United could have a case for compensation.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.