Sheffield takes its troubles to the tribunal

This week will spell out the fate of English Sheffield United, as the club tries to stave off relegation with help from an independent arbitration panel.

A two-day hearing began Monday with the club appealing its relegation in favour of West Ham. West Ham was heavily fined for its role in the illegal Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano transfers, but was not hit by a points penalty.

In a twist, Sheffield United now is being investigated for the same problem that West Ham had – incorrect documentation.

The panel assessing West Ham's fine factored in fan reaction and the lateness of the season in deciding not to dock points. As it occurred, that played a difference in Sheffield United being relegated. Sheffield United finished on the same number of points as fourth-from-last Wigan but was relegated on goal difference.

The club also has made pitches to the European Commission, trying to drum up support for its cause.

"If the decision is overturned we should be reselected to the Premier League," said Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe.

If the panel finds in favour of Sheffield United, the Premier League has a few options. It could relegate West Ham, keep both clubs in the top flight, offer a compensation package or refuse to overturn the decision.

"I think the Premier League accept they wish the arbitration was not happening," McCabe said last week. "But in the knowledge it is happening and it cannot be prevented, then if the decision is overturned we should be reselected to the Premier League.

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