Premier League - Fears for West Ham future
Eurosport - Fri, 09 Jan 12:56:00 2009
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's hopes of selling the have suffered a fresh blow after the Premier League announced a new investigation into the Carlos Tevez scandal.
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But Thursday's announcement of a new inquiry, to be conducted jointly by the FA and the Premier League, is another blow following last year's defeat by Sheffield United in an arbitration tribunal that leaves the Hammers facing a payout of millions in compensation.
United have demanded a £50 million payout after successfully arguing that they were relegated as a direct result of West Ham's illegal use of Tevez.
The final figure will be decided by the tribunal some time in the spring. This fresh probe raises the prospect of further sanctions that the Upton Park club fear could send them out of business.
West Ham were fined £5.5m in 2007 for breaching league rules over third-party agreements in signing Tevez, and the new inquiry will focus on the club's dealings with his representatives after the initial punishment.
It follows the arbitration tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths, who ruled in favour of Sheffield United and pointed the finger at West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury.
The key point to be investigated is the evidence provided to the tribunal by lawyer Graham Shear, solicitor for Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian.
Shear said that Duxbury had provided verbal assurances, or "oral cuddles", that the third-party agreement still existed - despite the Hammers chief having informed the Premier League that the agreement had been terminated.
Griffiths said in his findings: "If the Premier League had known what Mr Duxbury for West Ham was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the commission decision, we are confident that the Premier League would have suspended Mr Tevez's registration as a West Ham player.
"We have no doubt that those [Tevez's] services were worth at least three points to West Ham over the season and were what made the difference between West Ham remaining in the Premiership and being relegated at the end of the season."
The inquiry means West Ham or individuals could face further disciplinary action but the club say they have nothing to hide from the new inquiry.
Club insiders acknowledged the need to investigate Griffiths' findings but say they are convinced they can provide the evidence to prevent further disciplinary action.
A club statement said: "West Ham United will co-operate fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League.
"We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League following the initial penalty.
"We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and Premier League."
West Ham have stood by Duxbury since the arbitration tribunal and said his position is not under review.
Sporting Life / Eurosport
Email this story IM this story Comment 46 - 65 of 651 2 3 4 Next » Sort comments by: Most recent West Ham won the world cup - 1966. Listen you sad Northerners, stick to what you are good at...... Knocking your misses about, drinking ale, putting ferrets down your trousers, saying "eh up pet", interbreeding with whippets and eating lard sandwiches. Sheffield United got sent down, because they were a **** team. Full stop
oh silly southerners with their cocktails and limp wrists
Answer by Vimal (El Nino)
So sorry to West Ham United supporters
Answer by tailed fox
yes that is funny.
Answer by Phoenix
the bit about the northeners is the funniest
Answer by Laurence B
I laughed my fucking big ass off so much my lungs just fooking exploded. LoL!!!!! ha ha ha haha......................
Answer by arjun
thanx for cheering me up
Answer by SoccerDude
HAHAHAHA the irony kills lol
TEVEZ IS DA BEST!!!!!!!!!!
Answer by [PRO SARCASM]
nope because that was to long so i didnt attempt to read it
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Orignal From: does anybody else find this funny...................?
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