Arbitration to decide West Ham-Sheffield issue

An arbitration panel will have the final say on whether West Ham should have received a points penalty for its hand in the Carlos Tevez matter.

The English Premier League agreed that an arbitration tribunal will rule on Sheffield United's complaints over the registration of Carlos Tevez. Sheffield United is fighting a decision to fine West Ham rather than dock the club points and cancel Tevez's registration.

The GBP 5.5 million fine, without a points deduction, irked the clubs on the verge of being exiled. The independent commission assigned to the matter factored in the lateness of the season and fan reaction when making the decision.

Sheffield United also believes that Tevez continued to play is another breach that was not filled.

Relegated Sheffield United believes West Ham should be the club sent down. Had West Ham been deducted points, the club could have finished below Sheffield United.

The arbitration was granted despite a Sheffield United source saying the Premier League told the club that there are no grounds for a hearing.

The Premier League is content that West Ham ended the illicit agreements as soon as they were ordered to so, and that the independent commission's decision cannot be appealed against by anyone except West Ham.

The Premier League and Sheffield United will nominate one member each of the tribunal. Those two members would then choose a chairman. The parties would agree in advance to abide by any decision reached.

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