04/07/2007 13:09
Corporate Hospitality is the ultimate experience for any West Ham United fan
and you can now view all of our facilities at a glance thanks to the launch
of the Club's first-ever Corporate Membership E-Brochure.
Containing package and pricing details for the various hospitality suites
and lounges at Upton Park, plus illustrations, the E-Brochure is the perfect
way to plan your day of luxury at Upton Park without having to leave the
comfort of your PC.
We are working hard to provide better value to our supporters and members,
and within this new E-Brochure you will find a host of ways to entertain
clients, staff, family and friends.
To download the new E-Brochure to your desktop, simply click here
To view the new E-Brochure online, simply click here
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Colchester to unveil Sheringham - BBC Sport
Colchester United have called a news conference for 1430 BST on Wednesday at
which they are expected to unveil ex-England striker Teddy Sheringham.
The 41-year-old is a free agent after leaving West Ham United, and BBC Essex
understands that he is set to join the Championship club as player-coach.
Chairman Peter Heard revealed earlier that the U's had held talks with
Sheringham over a move to Layer Road.
They have been without an assistant manager since Mick Harford joined QPR.
Sheringham, who has scored 273 league goals in 715 appearances for seven
clubs, was awarded an MBE in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours list.
More recently, his agent Barry Neville had quashed reports linking him with
a move to League One side Bournemouth.
He said the striker had held talks with teams in the United States and other
countries.
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Blades lose top-flight fight - Sky Sports
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 3 Jul 2007
Sheffield United have failed in their attempts to be reinstated in the
Premier League after an independent arbitration panel dismissed their claim
of an unfair punishment handed out to West Ham United over the Carlos Tevez
affair.
The Blades had called for a new disciplinary hearing against West Ham having
argued that the £5.5million fine handed out in the spring was too lenient
and that a points deduction was warranted after The Hammers were found
guilty regarding the ownership of Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
A tribunal which was set up by The Premier League took place last month but
a final verdict was delayed for two weeks while the decision was
contemplated by a three-man panel headed by retired High Court judge Sir
Philip Otton.
United, along with Fulham, also claimed that Tevez, who was key to Alan
Curbishley's side avoiding relegation on the final day of the season, should
have been de-registered, but that too was rejected by the independent
arbitration panel.
"The tribunal have found in favour of the FA Premier League on both issues
and dismissed the claims of Sheffield United FC and Fulham FC," a statement
from the panel read.
Sheffield United would not normally have been allowed to dispute other
clubs' charges, but exceptional circumstances, with the Yorkshire club
dropping back into the Championship, led to compassion and resulted in the
setting up of the tribunal.
However, they have ultimately lost their fight and must now prepare for life
in England's second tier, which begins on 11th August when Bryan Robson's
side open the season at home to Colchester, while the hefty fine handed out
to West Ham stands but they remain in the Premier League.
The panel's ruling states: "Ian Mill QC [representing Sheffield United]
mounted a strong attack on the legality of the decision and the tribunal had
much sympathy for Sheffield United's grievances.
"However the tribunal had to apply the principles of judicial review and
determine whether the decision was irrational or perverse. This is a very
strict test and is very difficult to satisfy.
"It concluded that it was impossible for this tribunal to find that the
decision was irrational or perverse."
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Hammers welcome Tevez decision - Sky Sports
By Tom Adams - Created on 3 Jul 2007
West Ham have welcomed an arbitration panel's decision to dismiss Sheffield
United's appeal against the punishment handed to The Hammers over the Carlos
Tevez affair.
An independent tribunal extinguished any hopes Sheffield United had of being
reinstated to the Premier League on Tuesday when they found in favour of the
league in relation to the decision not to dock West Ham points for
irregularities in the signings of Tevez and international team-mate Javier
Mascherano in August.
Whilst the panel voiced sympathy with the Yorkshire club's cause, they were
unable to find that the independent commission's original decision was
incorrect, leaving The Blades to contemplate life in the Championship.
Tuesday's decision allows West Ham to put the controversy behind them and
focus their efforts on next season, and chairman Eggert Magnusson welcomed
the outcome of the tribunal.
"We are happy that this matter is finally closed and all parties can now
move on," read a statement from Magnusson on the club's official website.
"The arbitration panel's decision is very clear and reflects what we have
believed all along.
"West Ham United have been preparing for next season in the Premier League
since the final whistle at Old Trafford in May and we will continue to do
so."
Whilst the controversy never appeared to affect Tevez as he almost
single-handedly rescued the club from relegation with a string of
influential performances towards the end of the season, scrutiny will now be
trained firmly on his future at Upton Park.
A number of Europe's top clubs have been linked with the Argentinian
international forward, but Magnusson has moved to underline that Tevez
remains very much a West Ham employee for now.
"I would like to reiterate that Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham United
player with a playing contract that still has three years remaining on it,
and that situation remains unchanged."
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Blades considering next steps - Sky Sports
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 3 Jul 2007
Sheffield United are disappointed by the outcome of the independent tribunal
into the Carlos Tevez affair.
An arbitration panel set up by the Premier League dismissed The Blades'
latest claim to be reinstated into the Premier League on Tuesday.
A three-man panel ruled in favour of The Premier League and West Ham,
despite suggesting they would have imposed a points penalty, had they been
in charge of the original disciplinary hearing.
United are now mulling over their options as the fight to return to the
top-flight continues, and are currently considering the findings with their
advisors.
"Sheffield United confirms that it has received the arbitration award in
relation to the proceedings regarding the disciplinary decision, date 27
April 2007, in the Tevez affair," a statement read.
"We are pleased that the tribunal rejected the Premier League's contention
that we were not entitled to challenge that disciplinary decision.
"We note that the tribunal in response to that challenge, decided not to
overturn the disciplinary commission's decision, despite concluding that
they would in all probability have deducted points from West Ham had they
been hearing the case themselves.
"We are obviously very disappointed by this conclusion, in particular in
circumstances where the tribunal recognised that the outcome of the decision
turned out to be "unfortunate in the extreme," and that Sheffield United
have done nothing wrong to merit this outcome.
"We are currently considering these findings with our professional advisers.
It would be inappropriate for us to comment further until we have had the
opportunity - properly - to consider the reasons the tribunal has given for
its decision.
"We are indebted to the support we have received from supporters and
professional individuals in relation to our Campaign for Fairness,
particularly those with no prior Sheffield United allegiance, and for the
support given to us (whether openly or otherwise) by fellow clubs."
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Sheffield United - Your View - Sky Sports
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 3 Jul 2007
Let skysports.com have your thoughts on the decision not to reinstate
Sheffield United to the Premier League.
Blades lose top-flight fight
An independent arbitration panel dismissed Sheffield United's appeal against
the punishment imposed on West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair, but has
justice been done?
Should Sheffield United accept the verdict or should they keep fighting?
Do West Ham fans think they have had a lucky escape?
Let us have your thoughts using the form below.
IT'S YOUR VIEW!
Add your comments here and we'll print the best replies. We may edit
letters:
At last it's finished. West Ham deservedly stay up, Sheffield deservedly
stay down. Get over it Sheffield UTD supporters you were simply not good
enough especially towards the end of the season. I still cant believe that
there were people who actually believed you would go back up!
Nick Jones - Hornchurch
Tevez's contribution to West Ham's campaign was immense. But football is a
team game played by eleven men. West Ham beat Arsenal and Manchester United
both home and away when Tevez was off form in some games. The real hero in
those matches was Robert Green because without him West Ham would have
conceeded all 12 points. Also with a ten point deduction looming and being
ten points off safety with two months to go they dug deep as a team and
pulled through. If Sheffield United and Neil Warnock had of concentrated on
their team performances maybe they wouldn't have been relegated.
Steve Childs - London
I was actually getting a bit tired of the whole thing to be honest, and I am
a true blade, We didnt deserve to stay up, how can a team win 1 game out of
their last eleven and expect to stay up, But I do think it is wrong that no
compensation has been paid. Yes this IS a money issue now we are not in the
premier league we have lost £30 million for gods sake.
Chris Edwards - Rotherham
They had 38 games to play and ultimately they weren't good enough. Nobody
cared about Tevez until Feburary, so they should stop whingeing and get on
with it. People have short memories what about the Kabba transfer to Watford
?
Steven Gill - Burnley
West Ham have got away with it because they are a London club. If it had
been the other way round then the Premier league would have re-instated
them. It is not sour grapes on our part it is an injustice. In future any
club that cheats should not get docked points. Up the Blades!
Mick White - Sheffield
I think it's a relief for everybody that this matter can now be put to rest.
Sheffield Utd were relegated because they simply were not good enough. Their
Premier League status was in their own hands, and unlike West Ham they blew
it. McCabe now needs to grow up in my opinion, take this on the chin, and
prepare for life in The Championship. Please Please do not drag this matter
on any more!!
Matt Cowdwick - London
I found it quite remarkable that Sheffield United did not query or complain
the fact that Tevez played against them, late in the season, when they won
3-0. Maybe at this stage they thought they were 'safe'. However, having then
gone on an awful run coinciding with West Ham's brilliant form they then
decided to 'clutch at straws', whilst doing this I believe that they have
now taken their eye of planning for next season in The Championship.
PAUL KETTLETY - CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
No I don't think West Ham had a lucky escape. There's no luck in winning 7
out of 9 games. It was this that ultimately kept us in the Premier League
and not an arbitration panel. Sheffield Utd went down because they simply
weren't good enough, just like in the 1st 3 quarters of the season when we
weren't good enough
Gary Staley - London
I think this is the wrong decision. The integrity of the game has again been
brought into disrepute and by allowing this decision to stand the precendent
has been set for other clubs to follow suit and sign illegal players to
prevent relgation
Colin Inkson - liverpool
I am a Hammers fan and really feel that this was really a case of sour
grapes by Sheffield. Sheffield believed they were safe and the point of the
matter is they were not good enough to stay up. Football matters like
relegation should be settled on the pitch not in a courtroom. They should
have been home and dry but they went on a bad run and then couldn't even win
a home game against Wigan to stay up. They were too busy moaning about
everyone else resting players when they should of clearly been concentrating
on trying to win a game. Good riddance to Neil Warnock and a very poor team
Michael Colkett - London
I am a West Ham supporter and feel that everyone should just move on, two
panels have looked at this and that should be the end. We had a tough season
and fought hard for our rightful place in the premier league.
Graham Farrar - Cork
I feel we are very lucky but this should have been addressed when Tevez was
signed, not wait until Sheffield United were relagated then clutch at
straws.
Daniel Meadows - Romford
It's the right outcome - the only place that football should be decided is
on the pitch. West Ham remain the Premiership on merit. What's Fulham's
problem they were lucky to remain up - if it hadn't been for Liverpol
fielding a weak side then they would have been relegated !!
David Kerslake - Romford
Football is the biggest loser today as we see a team that has cheated
getting away with it and a team that has followed the rules suffer. what is
this teaching the kids that are the future of the game ?
Craig Anderson - Sheffield
Money is obviously more important than justice. West Ham will be tainted for
this for a long time and have lost many people who used to have them as
their second team. Hopefully this season will bring real justice and they
will go down.
Mike James - Swansea
I find this decision just shows the closed shop that is the premier league.
For me this league only looks after the big clubs and is all about money
Johnny Garden - Inverness
It is an absolute disgrace that West Ham were not deducted points. The bias
of the London media towards the club who laughably claim they "won the world
cup" shows how deluded they are. Had Tevez's goals cost Man United or
Chelsea the title or even a Champions League place then they would have
certainly found themselves in the championship. They hypocricy of the
Premier League is outrageous!
michael nott - dudley
Sheffield should never have started legal action. The suupporteres have just
been given false hope all along and their board members have been winding
them up. They should sack their board and start winning not whinging.
Barry Mallinson - Aylesbury
It is tough for Sheffield but I think West Ham deserve their status. Tevez
clearly was a bad mistake but great prospect!
Günther Schickelgrüber - Berlin, Germany
The Blades can finally stop moaning about the 'unfair' signing of Tevez. I'm
also glad they lost the case because Wednesday will get their 'Steel City
Derby'
Evan Davies - Sheffield
Of course justice has been done. What right did Sheff Utd have to question
the decision in the first place? Had this gone their way then every single
decision made by the FA and/or Premier League could be contested. Just
because they weren't able to keep themselves in the Premiership through
their football they sought to do it through the courts.
Darren Morris - Lofer
It was always a case of sour grapes from the start - when West Ham were
fined £5.5m Sheff Utd had 2 games to ensure survival and were in a better
position. They threw it away themselves and were never going to get the
decision overturned.
Mark Beck - London
It's about time Sheffield United realised that it was their poor
performances on the pitch which cost them their Premiership status, and
nothing else. Justice has been done
Mark Purtow - Stevenage
As a West Ham United Fan we should have been docked points and we should
have been playing in the championship. But not only did we win like 8 or 9
games on the spin more like champions form then championship form. The
Premier Leauge took us to court with a couple of games remaing and decided
they would fine us then dock us points. They made the final decision there
and then. Sheffeild United only took it further due to there relegation from
the premiership. And main reason is probably to receive money as they felt
they had been wrongly done by the preimer leauge.
James Warner - Stevenage
Up the Hammers
Toby Johnson - Guildford
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Faubert defends strike action - Sky Sports
By Tom Adams and Laurent Picard - Created on 3 Jul 2007
New West Ham signing Julien Faubert has defended his decision to strike in
order to force his departure from Bordeaux.
The French midfielder refused to train with his former club in an attempt to
pressure Bordeaux into selling him to Rangers, before West Ham gazumped the
Scottish side with a bid of £6.1million.
After sealing his move to Upton Park, Faubert has explained his decision to
strike after learning that Rangers had had a bid rejected.
"Sometimes you have to take extreme measures. I used that to show my
unhappiness," Faubert told RMC.
"It was not a lack of respect towards the club. I will never disassociate
myself from Bordeaux, because they are a club who have been enormously
useful to me in my career, who made me progress and allowed me to become an
international.
"They remain a club very dear to me, like Cannes where I started."
Reflecting on the circumstances that saw him move to East London rather than
Glasgow, Faubert spoke of his delight at joining one of the biggest leagues
in world football.
"West Ham are a Premier League club," added Faubert. "That was a dream. I
love this league. It suits my game."
Bordeaux have also faced mounting speculation over the future of another
star midfielder in Rio Mavuba, and could well turn to Troyes' Blaise Matuidi
if the French international departs.
Auxerre have also been linked with Matuidi after Troyes' relegation, but the
Under 21 international clearly prefers a move to Les Girondins.
"Bordeaux are a great French club that exists at a European level," Matuidi
told La Gazzette des Transferts. "I am happy that such a club are interested
in my services.
"They are not the only club interested in me. I know that my progression
would be possible with Les Girondins. I am thinking about my future."
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League welcomes conclusion - Sky Sports
By Pete Allison - Created on 3 Jul 2007
The Premier League have revealed that they are also satisfied with the
conclusion reached by the arbitration panel, following West Ham's acceptance
of Tuesday's dealings.
Sheffield United have failed in their attempts to be served with a
disciplinary hearing, and lost their appeal to be reinstated to the Premier
League.
In response to the panel's decision, the Premier League issued a statement,
confirming that they have behaved 'reasonably' and within the rules laid
before them.
The statement read: "The Premier League welcomes the conclusions of the
arbitration panel and respects the judgement and commentary they have
published today.
"The panel confirmed that throughout this complex and unprecedented case,
the Premier League followed the process laid out in our rules and behaved
reasonably at all times.
"The panel also understood that this was a difficult situation, exacerbated
by the fact that decisions were being made against the backdrop of the
climax to the 2006/07 season.
"Sir Phillip Otton and his colleagues on the panel held that the Premier
League acted in accordance with it's rules and procedures throughout,
including the appointing of the independent commission to hear the original
case."
The Premier League's reaction to the findings continued to say that they
were pleased that the panel had recognised the difficulty and sensitivity of
the situation the league had found themselves in.
"They also held that the independent commission's original decision was
neither irrational nor perverse and that the Premier League board's
subsequent actions were reasonable and provided - in the panel's own words -
"a practical and workable solution to a difficult situation".
"The Premier League recognises that, even by football's standards, we have
been faced with circumstances that were unusual, unexpected and
controversial.
"Our role as the board of the Premier League is to face these challenges and
act at times in accordance with the powers described in our rules.
"We will continue to do this as we all now look forward to the coming
season."
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Whelan: A botched affair - Sky Sports
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 4 Jul 2007
Dave Whelan has called on Richard Scudamore and Sir Dave Richards to step
down following the Carlos Tevez affair.
Sheffield United lost their fight to be reinstated to the Premier League on
Tuesday following an arbitration panel's hearing into the punishment meted
out to West Ham United regarding the eligibility of Tevez and fellow
Argentine, Javier Mascherano.
Though the panel concluded they would 'probably' have deducted points as a
punishment, they opted against reversing the original decision.
Wigan Athletic chairman Whelan, whose club stayed up at the expense of
United, has been outspoken in his criticism of the situation.
And he feels Premier League chief executive Scudamore and chairman Richards
should 'seriously consider their positions'.
"It's been a botched affair," Whelan told the Daily Mail. "All kinds of
things have been done incorrectly and, from what I can tell, covered up. And
so much time has been wasted getting to his point.
"Why, when they knew about this shortly after Christmas, did it take until
the end of April to have the original hearing?
"And why is it only now, in July, that we have reached this stage?
"I'm sure nothing can now be done for Sheffield United and that is very sad.
It just isn't right.
"What the arbitration panel are saying backs up everything Wigan, Sheffield
United, Fulham, Charlton and Middlesbrough have been saying all along, and
if the arbitration panel think it's wrong, then Richard Scudamore and Dave
Richards have seriously got to consider their positions."
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The Arbitration ruling between Sheffield United/Fulham and the Premier
League - WHO
Match Reporter - Tue Jul 3 2007
In the matter of an Arbitration pursuant to section S of the rules of the
Football Association Premier League.
Between
Sheffield United (claimant)
and
Football Association Premier League ltd
Before
Rt. Hon. Sir Philip Otton (Chairman)
David Pannick QC
Nicholas Randall
Ian Mills QC, Adam Lewis and Jane Mulcahy (instructed by Denton Wilde Spate)
appeared on behalf of the Claiment
Paul Goulding QC, Mark Gay and Catherine Beloff (instructed by DLA Piper)
appeared on behalf of the Respondent
Michael Beloff QC (instructed by Stuart Benson) appeared on behalf of Fulham
Football Club
Summary
In normal circumstances a third party club (Sheffield United) would not have
standing to complain about a Disciplinary Decision on relating to another
club (West Ham United). But the circumstances of this case are exceptional.
The effect of the decision directly and vitally affects the fundamental
interests of SUFC as a member of the Premier League. SUFC have now been
relegated. They have done nothing wrong to merit this outcome. WHU on the
other hand were found by the Disciplinary Commission to have been
deliberately deceitful and yet they remain in the Premier League. Moreover
as a result of relegation SUFC will suffer considerable damage to their
financial and commercial interests (estimated in excess of £50m over the
next season). Fulham Football Club also seek damages arising out of their
final position in the premier League table. The Tribunal accordingly (and
exceptionally) granted leave to challenge the Decision of the Disciplinary
Commission.
Mr Ian Mill QC mounted a strong attack on the legality of the Decision and
the Tribunal had much sympathy for SUFC's grievances. However, the Tribunal
had to apply to the principles of the judicial review and determine whether
the Decision was irrational or perverse. This is a very strict test and very
difficult to satisfy. The Tribunal can well understand in the light of
subsequent events the outcome of the decision turned out to be most
unfortunate in the extreme but the Tribunal had to judge it at the time it
was taken. It concluded for the reasons given that it was impossible for
this Tribunal to find that the Decision was irrational or perverse.
As to the challenge arising out of events subsequent to the Decision SUFC
and FFC alleged that the FAPL should have immediately terminated or
susoended the registration of Tevez with WHU. As a result of this failure
Tevez played in the final three games of the season which WHU won (and in
which TEVEZ made a substantial contribution) so avoiding relegation. The
offending third party agreements still existed and FAPL endeavoured to seek
assurances from WHU that they were no longer valid and effective. These were
sought on 27 April and again 4 May, As a result of the assurances given the
FAPL permitted the registration to stand. The Tribunal concluded that for
reasons given it was not unreasonable for the board of the FAPL to reach the
conclusion that in the light of the assurances given the third parties were
not able 'materially to influence WHU's policies or performance of the team'
contrary to Rule U18. The FAPL still continue to monitor the situation. The
arrangement may not have been legally watertight but it was a practical and
workable solution to a difficult situation. It is to be doubted that the
FAPL (or anyone else) foresaw the spectacular results of the last three
matches which saved WHU from possible relegation.
Accordingly the Tribunal found in favour of the FAPL on both issues and
dismissed the claims of SUFC and FFC
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Do you care about West Ham's reputation, because I do? - WHO
1964 - Wed Jul 4 2007
This is not another thread on the rights and wrongs of the Tevez case we've
all had our say elsewhere on that but - do you care about the Club's
reputation which has plainly been damaged by this affair?
I've become sick and tired of reading and hearing lazy journalists,
commentators, pundits, supporters and lawyers repeatedly stating untruths,
exaggerations and repeated muddying of the waters while this case has gone
on.
There are a number of reasons for this:
1. They have ulterior motives and are biased.
2. They have not bothered to understand the case properly
3. They are sensationalising for something to report.
... there are more.
On top of this we have had the repeated rantings of Mr McCabe (and his film
actor), Mr Whelan and to a lesser extent Mr Fayed, of course all with their
own agenda.
What we haven't had is any balanced reply or defence of this spiralling
merry go round. Now don't get me wrong, Eggy has kept a dignified silence
and only made two short public statements and he is to be commended for
that, but is it enough to defend the reputation of our club which I believe
is far more important than any star signing that may happen.
Examples of statements that should have been or should be challenged. How
many times have you heard:
1. "West Ham have played ineligible players" - Wrong
2. "The punishment for this misdemeanour is deduction of points" - Wrong
3. "Tevez was not 'owned' by West Ham" - So what! nor are any loan players
On top of this we have now had stupid statements from top lawyers at the
Arbitration:
"...we have much sympathy for SUFC's grievances....We would go as far to say
that this tribunal would in all probability have reached a different
conclusion and deducted points from WHU"
This is a scandalous statement. How can they possibly come to that
conclusion without hearing the WH side - West Ham were not represented? Our
human rights have been breached here.
Now that's enough ranting, what should be done?
I believe that Eggy must come out and defend our club publicly, it is time
for diplomatic silence to stop. Whilst I think that Eggy is, and is going to
be a good Chairman, I do not think he is up to it from a public relations
point of view, he is in danger of being ridiculed by the establishment. His
next major signing must be a top class public relations spokesman (Chief
Executive) for the club that can defend us properly and counter the very
articulate propaganda that has been put out by those mentioned above.
I care about the reputation of West Ham United having supported them for 43
years, I hope you do too.
This injustice needs putting right. I am going to write to Eggy with the
points above, suggesting he should consider this PR issue carefully.
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Sheffield win the sympathy vote - Daily Telegraph
By David Bond
Last Updated: 1:23am BST 04/07/2007
Having spent the past seven weeks and the best part of half a million pounds
on their fight for justice, it was exactly the sort of judgement relegated
Sheffield United will have been dreading.
In a 36-page ruling on the decision taken in April to fine West Ham
£5.5million rather than dock them points over the "deceitful" way the club
handled the signings of Argentine pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano,
the Premier League's arbitration panel agreed with many of the Yorkshire
club's arguments.
.Yes, if we had been hearing the case, we would have deducted them points,
said panel chairman Sir Philip Otton.
.Yes, they were right to question whether Tevez's contract had been
terminated following the League's decision to allow him to carry on playing
after original commission's verdict on April 27.
.Yes, they were right to challenge the League's original refusal to grant
Sheffield United and Fulham their day in court.
"We have much sympathy for Sheffield United's grievances arising from the
decision and the manner it was arrived at," said Sir Philip in his judgement
yesterday.
"We would go so far as to say that this tribunal would in all probability
have reached a different conclusion and deducted points from West Ham. We
would, for example, have given much more weight to the deliberate deceit by
West Ham officials which concealed the existence of third-party
arrangements.
"However, these considerations are not sufficient. The tribunal has to test
the decision on whether it was irrational or perverse when it was reached.
This is very difficult to satisfy on a question very much of judgement and
discretion."
The test in the High Court is likely to be even more stringent. A legal
source explained that arbitration verdicts of this type can normally only be
challenged if there has been a "manifest error in law" and that the issue is
of "substantial public importance". On both these tests, a challenge would
almost certainly fail.
For Sheffield United and the rest of the gang of four, the arbitration
panel's decision was all the more frustrating for its acceptance that the
termination of the side agreements with the mysterious offshore companies
who own Tevez were still in doubt.
West Ham say they have unilaterally terminated them but Tevez and his agent
and part-owner Kia Joorabchian has not acknowledged that and is keeping his
options open.
The most likely outcome is that he will use the termination to get more
money out of West Ham or secure a bigger move for the striker, but the panel
acknowledged that the League's decision to allow him to carry on playing at
the end of last season was not "legally watertight."
"It is obvious that the possibility of the third parties' ability materially
to influence was not entirely excluded. Indeed it may still exist," said the
ruling.
But it later adds: "In short, the arrangement may not have been legally
watertight but it was a practical and workable solution to a difficult
situation. It is doubted that the FAPL (or anyone else foresaw) the
spectacular results of the last three matches which saved West Ham from
probable relegation."
Or indeed that Tevez would almost single-handedly keep West Ham in the
Premiership.
Unfortunately for United and their chairman, Kevin McCabe, sympathy was all
they got for their money and time.
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Magnusson intent on keeping Tevez - TeamTalk
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has insisted Carlos Tevez could remain at
West Ham next season, despite interest from a number of big clubs.
Speaking after an arbitration panel dismissed an appeal against the Premier
League's decision not to deduct the Hammers points for the controversial
signing of Tevez last year, Magnusson admitted the Argentine could remain at
West Ham next season.
Tevez has attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal,
Real Madrid and Inter Milan, but Magnusson hopes Tevez will honour his
three-year deal at Upton Park.
Magnusson said: "I would like to reiterate that Carlos Tevez is a registered
West Ham player with a playing contract that still has three years remaining
on it and that situation remains unchanged."
Meanwhile, West Ham's latest signing Julien Faubert insists it was a logical
choice to choose his new club over Rangers.
Faubert refused to train with Bordeaux last week in an effort to secure a
move to the Scottish giants.
But the 23-year-old midfielder, who has one France cap, revised his decision
on where to play when Premier League side West Ham made their interest
known.
He said: "Between Glasgow and West Ham, there were not too many questions.
"West Ham are a Premier League club. That was a dream. I love this league.
It suits my game."
Faubert, who West Ham have spent £6.1million on, told French radio station
RMC his strike action was justified.
He said: "Sometimes you have to take extreme measures. I used that to show
my unhappiness.
"It was not a lack of respect towards the club. I will never disassociate
myself from Bordeaux, because they are a club who have been enormously
useful to me in my career, who made me progress and allowed me to become an
international.
"They remain a club very dear to me, like Cannes where I started."
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Rams wrap up £1m Mears deal - TeamTalk
Premier League newcomers Derby County have signed Tyrone Mears on a
three-year permanent contract from West Ham for £1million.
The Rams initially took the full-back on loan in January but have paid the
Hammers £1million to keep the player at Pride Park.
"We are delighted to complete this deal because Tye is a very good young
full-back with excellent pace and potential," said manager Billy Davies.
"We need him for the challenge ahead and I know he is committed to working
hard with us because he has the exciting potential to improve still
further."
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Blades may fight on in court - The Sun
By IAN McGARRY
July 04, 2007
SHEFFIELD UNITED have lost their legal battle to stay in the top flight.
An arbitration panel upheld the Premier League decision to just fine West
Ham £5.5million over the Carlos Tevez row.
But the tribunal said they would have docked points from the Hammers had
they originally sat in judgment.
The ruling said: "We have much sympathy for Sheffield United's grievances
arising from the decision and the manner it was arrived at.
"We go so far to say that this tribunal would in all probability have
reached a different conclusion and deducted points from West Ham.
"We would have given much more weight to the deliberate deceit by West Ham
officials which concealed the existence of third-party arrangements.
"However, it was impossible for this tribunal to find that the decision was
irrational or perverse."
The Blades also lost another claim - made with Fulham - that the Premier
League should have forced West Ham to de-register Tevez before the crucial
last three matches of the season.
The Blades are now threatening to throw the new season into chaos by taking
the case to court after the tribunal, chaired by Sir Philip Otton, returned
their ruling.
A club statement said: "We are very disappointed with the ruling.
"We will now take time to consult our advisors before taking any further
action."
West Ham were fined £5.5m in April for breaching third-party ownership
regulations over Tevez and Javier Mascherano
The Blades could now try to take the Premier League to the European courts -
which could lead to fixture chaos.
However, the Premier League could retaliate by suspending Sheffield United
on the grounds that it had broken League rules by attempting to sue them.
FIFA also has the power to suspend the clubs of any member nation from
international competitions if one club takes the domestic association to
court.
That could mean English clubs being banned from Europe and could even
threaten the England team's participation in Euro 2008.
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We're happy this matter is finally
closed and all parties can move on."
But top sports lawyer Mel Goldberg believes the Hammers have been let off
the hook.
He said: "Do I think it's the right decision? No.
"It's clear to most people that the injured party has not received justice.
"Not only that, there is a precedent here when Middlesbrough were docked
points for not adhering to the rules on fulfilling a fixture.
"The fact is that the Premier League has admitted - as have West Ham - that
West Ham fielded players whose registration was partly owned by a third
party.
"The rules were broken and everyone in the world knew it."
But Goldberg warned Blades not to go to court. He said: "Premier League
rules state all clubs who sign up must abide by decisions, including
disciplinary commissions."
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Real reason why players are rejecting West Ham 4th July 2007 -
all3points.co.uk
By Dan Halton
Despite having a sizeable transfer budget West Ham's summer has been more
about who got away than who has been brought in.
Let's start on a positive note. Alan Curbishley secured West Ham's second
signing of the summer in winger Julien Faubert this week. Early indications
are that the French international who cost £6.2m has pace to burn, plays on
the right-wing but also cuts inside and has a lethal shot. In short - Yossi
Benayoun, pack your bags. Faubert now joins Scott Parker as one of the two
new faces at the club in a summer that has been more memorable for who hasn't
joined.
The list of players who have distanced themselves from a move to Upton Park
grows with each day. Darren Bent, Mark Viduka, Joey Barton, Djibril Cisse,
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe have all rejected advances from the
Hammers and either signed elsewhere or are holding out for other clubs.
While others such as Andy Johnson, Tim Cahill, Kevin Nolan and Nicky Shorey
have been approached but look certain to remain at their respective clubs.
Concern amongst fans has only increased by the erratic behaviour of Benayoun
in reneging on a new contract and wanting a move to Liverpool. Favourites
from the Pardew era (Reo-Coker, Harewood, Etherington, Konchesky) were
always likely to leave this summer but Benayoun was seen as someone who
played well last season and had a bright future at the club - evident by the
new contract which was even celebrated (prematurely as it turned out) by
Eggert Magnusson in the press.
During January's recruitment drive it was maybe more understandable. In the
midst of a chaotic season the Hammers were entrenched in the bottom three
and seemed like the last place on earth any sensible footballer would want
to go to. Of course Luis Boa Morte, Matthew Upson and Lucas Neill joined,
induced by over-inflated salaries and the chance to leave if it all went
pear-shaped and the club were relegated come May. All of them were
experienced, even reaching veteran status, and the chance to earn a good
wage at this stage of their careers was too tempting. But the warning signs
were there when young players like Wright-Phillips and Ashley Young rejected
the club despite transfer fees being agreed and the offer of massive
contracts. They were destined to become the long-term future of the club but
didn't share the same vision Magnusson had. Surviving relegation may be a
sign that they missed the boat but despite this more rejections have come
thick and fast during the summer months.
To find out why we have to look at several factors. The continuing debate
about Carlos Tevez and the legality of his registration has undoubtedly
caused a lot of bad press for the club. Regardless of the rights or wrongs
of the Premier League's failure to dock the Hammers points the club took the
punishment and moved on. Hopefully this week's judgment will have closed the
chapter on what became a tiresome debate that scandalously overlooked the
fact that if West Ham hadn't won seven out of their last nine matches nobody
would have batted an eyelid about the punishment or lack of.
What about the Curbishley factor? Reports continue to circulate saying the
reason some players did not sign on was because of the manager. His
management style has been criticised by a number of players over the years
but to me it's a symptom of the malaise of modern-day football. Curbishley,
hardly the most chipper of characters, is a disciplinarian and demands hard
work but in today's world of player power where even average footballers
become millionaires and minor celebrities, his style doesn't sit well with a
certain crowd. Call it media influence or player influence but you can
almost picture some of our players warning off the likes of Bent and Young
during an Under-21 meet-up or in a London nightclub. Needless to say these
are the same players who fell foul of the current regime at Upton Park and
will soon be appearing at other clubs come the new season.
If players are looking for an easy ride then it is no surprise they are
being linked to Manchester City where the laissez-faire regime of Sven
Goran-Eriksson lies with open arms. You only have to look at the most
successful managers in the country to see which style is successful and
which isn't. It is surely no coincidence that Sir Alex Ferguson is one of
Curbishley's closest allies in the game.
The reality is potential signings are not sure where West Ham are going.
This time last year joining the club was a very attractive proposition.
After a top-ten finish and an FA Cup Final the future was looking bright.
Then came this season's soap opera in which disaster was only averted by an
incredible run of form that culminated in victory at Old Trafford on the
last day. While the Upton Park collective breathed a huge sigh of relief the
rest of the footballing world looked on in the same curiosity reserved for
freak shows. The clandestine deals that brought Tevez and Mascherano in and
the ensuing rumpus it caused only served to create an unfair image of a
dodgy-dealing club lurching from one crisis to another.
The one thing missing from West Ham right now is stability. It is something
the club has not had since arguably the latter part of Harry Redknapp's
reign as manager. They may not have gone down this year but West Ham were
mighty close to joining the likes of West Brom and Sunderland in becoming a
dreaded yo-yo club. Young players like Bent and Defoe aren't interested in
the prospect of struggling at the foot or even middle of the table. Money is
important obviously but it is clear they also want the security and
predictability of a top-six team. And who in all honesty doesn't? West Ham
may prove to be that team in the next few years but some are simply not
prepared to wait and see. Are we going to become the next Newcastle or Leeds
where soap opera transcends real life.or are we going to be the next Arsenal
or Chelsea, forever in the frame for trophies and part of the footballing
upper echelon?
Only a few players are buying into the club's vision but give it a
consistent season and then let's see. Alan Pardew was on the threshold of
such a team this time last year but let it go to waste. A lesson learned in
how quickly the feted become the failed. That is why this coming season is
crucial in terms of the Hammers establishing themselves as a strong
Premiership team who may have their ups and downs but are consistently in
the top half and are looking to get into Europe rather than peering behind
their shoulder at the spectre of another relegation dogfight. Only then can
we seriously attract the likes of Bent, Cahill and Wright-Phillips without
simply resorting to flashing the Magnusson millions.
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West Ham battle Celtic for Appiah - Vitalfootball,co.uk
West Ham will use the money earned from the sale of Nigel Reo-Coker to Aston
Villa to enter the chase for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah, who apparently
had problems agreeing personal terms with Celtic after the club agreed a fee
with Fenerbahce.
The 26-year-old midfielder could have joined for £5.7million last month,
according to the Times and a number of other reports, but his reported
demands for £40,000-a-week were too much for Celtic to stomach.
Now the Mirror claims that Alan Curbishley wants to take Appiah to Upton
Park, and could use the money generated by the sale of Nigel Reo-Coker to
Aston Villa to finance the deal. While neither Aston Villa or West Ham have
confirmed the transfer of the England Under-21 skipper, loud whispers in
media circles suggest it is a done deal.
However, Celtic could bring Appiah back to the negotiating table if Thomas
Gravesen is offloaded to English Championship side Sheffield United, who
lost their appeal to be reinstated to the English Premiership at West Ham's
expense yesterday.
For while there are still question marks over whether Appiah could adapt to
the Scottish climate, and whether his recently-injured knee is fully-healed,
the former Juventus star would just about amount to the "wow" signing that
Celtic fans are waiting for.
Valencia, FC Shalke and Juventus have also been linked with a summer move
for Appiah.
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