Sheffield United believe they have a strong chance of winning a favourable verdict over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Blades have a High Court date on Friday after an arbitration panel upheld the decision not to dock West Ham points over the striker's signing. The Hammers were fined £5.5m for their handling of Tevez's move and that of his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano. But Sheffield United hope documentation from Kia Joorabchian, the duo's representative, can help their cause. Club lawyers have been in touch with Joorabchian, who is prepared to hand over all the documentation relating to Tevez's contract if Friday's High Court ruling goes in favour of Sheffield United. A source close to Joorabchian said: "If the judge rules all the paperwork must be made public we will be forced to co-operate. "We have no idea how significant the paperwork may be. All we know is we have done nothing wrong."
It is understood the documentation could potentially be harmful to West Ham's case and in the long run that may go some way to helping settle the contractual wrangle which is holding up Tevez's transfer to Manchester United. But Joorabchian would prefer for the matter to be settled out of court.
West Ham were found guilty on 27 April of acting improperly and withholding vital documentation over the duo's ownership. When Tevez and Mascherano were registered as players, West Ham failed to disclose that they had entered into an agreement with third-party companies. Sheffield United had launched their first appeal after they went down on the last day of the season and West Ham stayed up. The three-man arbitration panel, headed by retired High Court judge Sir Philip Otton, did not have the power to change West Ham's punishment but could have ordered a new independent commission to judge the case.
The Blades are set to claim the arbitration panel made an "error in law" by not ordering a new disciplinary commission to deal with the affair. And while chairman Kevin McCabe has accepted the club will not be reinstated to the Premier League he is looking for up to £50m in compensation. "I think anyone who looks at it and says one club has been wronged then the only recourse to make that wrong right is financial," he added. "If you say that the Championship play-off game is worth £60m and Sheffield United's attendance last year was 31,000, with full hospitality boxes and restaurants and broadcasting income, you would say compensation is around £50m."
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League warns West Ham over Tevez - BBC
The Premier League has warned West Ham they risk more disciplinary action over the Carlos Tevez saga if they do not receive a transfer fee for the striker.
BBC sports editor Mihir Bose reports that West Ham face action if they do not "assert their rights" over Tevez. Tevez wants to join Manchester United but the deal has reached an impasse. Businessman Kia Joorabchian insists he owns the 22-year-old's economic rights but the Premier League says West Ham must receive any transfer fee. The confusion was created last season when West Ham failed to inform the Premier League they had entered into an agreement with Joorabchian's company when they signed Tevez and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano. The Hammers were fined £5.5m and warned that Tevez would be unable to play for them while the third-party agreement was still in place.
West Ham immediately ripped it up - but Joorabchian claims he did not agree to that. However, the Premier League is now insisting that Tevez's transfer must only involve West Ham and Manchester United. Bose said: "The Premier League says it is only asserting its rule book. "West Ham said the third-party agreement was torn up therefore they have the right to the player, they decide where the player goes and what the money involved is. "I understand a deal was agreed with Manchester United several weeks ago. "The terms are he will go on a two-year loan and that a loan fee will be paid to Joorabchian's company of about £10m. "The player himself will get about £4.5m a year and Manchester United could buy the player but would probably have to pay another £30m."
He added: "I suspect what will happen is that Tevez will tell Fifa that he doesn't want to go back to West Ham and the world governing body will have to resolve whether a player can be forced to stay at a club."
Tevez has already written to the League and West Ham to ask them to terminate his Hammers contract - a request refused by both parties. Fifa says it may be prepared to step in - but the matter would first have to go through the Football Association, which oversees domestic transfers. A spokesman said: "Fifa considers the Tevez situation to be a domestic matter and therefore of the competence of the FA. "If Fifa was to receive a formal request from any of the parties involved, it would look at the matter. "However, the possibility exists that we would still determine that it is the FA who is competent to decide on the case."
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Bruce reveals move for Konchesky - BBC
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce's has confirmed that he wants to sign West Ham's Paul Konchesky. However, West Ham are understood to want double the £2m the Blues have offered for the 26-year-old England international defender. Bruce said: "Paul Konchesky is someone we're looking at, we put in a bid three weeks ago and it hasn't changed. "I've got to be creative. I've got money to spend but not vast sums, which is why I'm wheeling and dealing."
Bruce has made room in his squad and freed up some funds by moving players on. Stephen Clemence and DJ Campbell are set to join Leicester, while winger Julian Gray has joined Coventry on a free transfer. Bruce said: "I'd like to bring in a bit of experience. We're after someone at the moment, a big name, so we'll see what happens."
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How do you solve a problem like Bellamy? - BBC
by Robbo Robson 11 July 2007
Things have come to a pretty pass when you can't buy a footballer 'cos you don't know who the hell to give the money to. How can it be that West Ham don't get the cash for Tevez?
If I wanted to buy a car I'd expect to pay the bloke at the showroom, not the bloke who told me where the showroom was. It just points up the nonsense of the arrival of Mascherano and Tevez in the first place and how the FA should have done summat to prevent the curious arrangement.
West Ham United could do with a period of stability right now. And a good way to do that is...sign Craig Bellamy. Cracking player but, in footballing parlance, a 'bit of a handful' (i.e. a bloody nightmare).
In life - and football is life - you have to have a trade-off sometimes. Some blokes are a nightmare but worth it (Greaves, Best, Maradona, Gazza almost); some are a nightmare and not worth it (Bellamy, Barton, Bowyer, Anelka almost).
It seems there's a kind of player that, long term, you can only lose on because it's just too much hard work to keep the stroppy little bleeders out of police stations or night-clubs or training ground punch-ups or managers' offices.
Some people say they like someone with a bit of devil in them. Well there are some who need a bit of human in them, if you ask me. If I was Curbishley I'd save a bit of time and put Bellamy straight on the transfer list.
Meanwhile the big boys have been trading away. Liverpool have paid a fortune twice - once for the Bye Bye Bellamy Celebration Dinner -and once for the lad Torres. I think he'll fit in well at the club. He's smart, Spanish and stylish with a good reputation - just like Morientes.
What Benitez needs is a scruffy little toe-poker of a striker. So, of course, does Wenger. Just ask William Gallas. I'm not sure the Croatian da Silva's the boy for the job but at least he's not Franny Jeffers.
(Incidentally, why can't England find a Brazilian-born striker? We're good at poaching South African-born cricketers. I'd happily help the FA track down some disaffected youths from the Copacabana.)
I am surprised none of the big boys have been in for Owen. Maybe they'll wait 'til the end of August and then count the boy's hamstrings.
The thing is, it whets the appetite all this transfer stuff. I can't wait for it all to kick off again. Federer's fine, Lewis is lovely, but my football withdrawal symptoms are kicking in like a Keano clog. Roll on Saturday 11 August!
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Appiah wants West Ham talks - Sky
By Andrew Scurr - Created on 11 Jul 2007
Stephen Appiah has requested that he is given permission to discuss a possible move to West Ham. The Fenerbahce midfielder is a reported target for The Hammers, who are looking to replace the departed Nigel Reo-Coker. Appiah has no shortage of suitors with Celtic, Schalke, Valencia and Juventus also keen on the Ghana captain, but the Turkish club will not budge as they bid to hang onto him. The 26-year-old feels he at least deserves the chance to consider a move away from Fenerbahce over the summer. Appiah was absent at the start of Fenerbahce's training camp in Austria and he has stated his frustration at his club's stance. "If West Ham United have expressed strong interest in me then I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer and other offers on the table for me," Appiah said on ghanaweb.com. "It is public knowledge that I want to move to England in the interest of the education of my kids, who still live in Italy because of their education. "At the start of last season I turned down several offers from top clubs in Europe just to help Fenerbahce lift the title because of my love for the team and fans. "Even while I was injured I continued to play to secure the title so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to the offers. "It is only fair that having served them with all my heart they should also take my interest into consideration even though I understand I have a contract with this great Turkish club. "I want my future to be sorted out soon so that I can make my future plans now."
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Hutchings pursues Harewood - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jul 2007
Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings remains hopeful of signing Marlon Harewood from West Ham United. Skysports.com revealed earlier in the week that the Latics are leading the chase for the striker, who is being allowed to leave Upton Park. Birmingham City have had a bid rejected, while Portsmouth, Fulham and Aston Villa all hold an interest in the 27-year-old. Hutchings has also confirmed his intent to add Harewood to his stable of new signings at the JJB Stadium before the start of the season. A fee of £3.5million has been mooted for the former Nottingham Forest forward and Hutchings admits the matter is ongoing. The Latics chief is also hoping that the fall-out from last season's Carlos Tevez saga, when Wigan chairman Dave Whelan called for the Hammers to be docked points, does not impact on a deal for Harewood. "What happened is in the past," said Hutchings in the Sun. "You can't look back. "We've shown an interest in Marlon and that is ongoing."
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Curbs wants another striker - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 11 Jul 2007
Alan Curbishley intends to follow the signing of Craig Bellamy with another striker. Bellamy has joined West Ham United in a club record deal from Liverpool, but the spending will not stop there for Curbishley. With Marlon Harewood and Carlos Tevez both likely to leave Upton Park, the Hammers manager wants to recruit another forward. "We're still in the market, if we feel that there's a player out there that can improve us," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "I think in some respects the club, people would like to see us run before we can crawl, let alone walk before we can crawl - perhaps that's the perception of us at the moment. "The chairman has said he's in it for the long term and perhaps it all can't be achieved straight away. We need a good solid season."
In addition to Bellamy, Curbishley has also brought in Scott Parker from Newcastle United and Julien Faubert from Bordeaux among his summer signings.
And Curbishley feels the new additions to his squad will have a point to prove with the Hammers in the coming season. He added: "The players we've brought in - Scotty Parker wants to get back in the national side and wants to prove to everybody what a good player he is. "Faubert wants to do well in the Premier League, he's the right age. "Again, Bellamy, they've got a point to prove. They're hungry, and angry in some respects. I don't mind that."
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Courts to see more papers on Tevez case? - Soccernet
Kia Joorabchian is prepared to hand over all the documentation relating to Carlos Tevez's contract at West Ham if Friday's High Court ruling goes in favour of Sheffield United. The Championship club are pursuing legal action after the Premier League inquiry decided not to dock West Ham points for breaking two regulations regarding their signing of Tevez and fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano. Sheffield United were subsequently relegated on the last day of the season. The Blades' lawyers have been in touch with Joorabchian this week and they privately believe the club have a strong chance of winning a favourable verdict on Friday. A source close to Joorabchian said: 'If the judge rules all the paperwork must be made public we will be forced to co-operate. 'We have no idea how significant the paperwork may be - all we know is we have done nothing wrong.'
It is understood the documentation could potentially be harmful to West Ham's case and in the long run that may go some way to helping settle the contractual wrangle which is holding up Tevez's transfer to Manchester United. But Joorabchian would prefer for the matter to be settled out of court.
Joorabchian and Tevez wrote to West Ham on Tuesday and the Premier League asking for the player's registration and contract to be cancelled - but their approach was turned down. Joorabchian is also considering an appeal for FIFA to step in as arbiters to try to untangle the contractual mess. FIFA say they may be prepared to step in to settle the transfer dispute - but they have yet to receive any official request to do so. Football's world governing body can become involved if there is an international element to a transfer or if they are asked to by the FA. Tevez's move to United has stalled due to the Premier League's insistence that West Ham must receive the bulk of the reported £30million fee. Tevez's representative, businessman Joorabchian, claims he owns the player's economic rights. A FIFA spokesman said: 'We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far. 'If we do receive a request we would then decide whether we have to look at it or if it is up to the FA to rule on it. 'The FA could also ask us for guidance and send us all the relevant information.'
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Benayoun fits the bill for Benitez - Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 1:13am BST 12/07/2007
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes Yossi Benayoun will be an ideal replacement for Luis Garcia. The Israel midfielder is set to secure a deal at Anfield after a fee, believed to be £5 million, was agreed with West Ham. He could be joined by £10 million-rated Ryan Babel in a remarkable double swoop after Ajax gave Liverpool permission to talk to the player. The Holland Under-21 winger is reportedly on his way to Merseyside for a medical. Benayoun comes with the right credentials, according to Benitez, who sees similarities with Garcia, who is now at Atletico Madrid. "Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence," Benitez said. "He can also play in many positions." "He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from other clubs but Yossi's message was always the same. He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool because this was his dream. "When you have quality players with his ability showing so much passion to play for your club, it's really good for the team."
Liverpool have already stated their ambition this summer by signing former Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen strikers Fernando Torres and Andriy Voronin. Benitez, meanwhile, has asked people to respect Jamie Carragher's decision to step aside from England duty. Carragher has stated he is no longer willing to be a squad player after being omitted in favour of Ledley King for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia, a decision which led to criticism on a radio talkshow. Benitez added: "We must all respect any decision he makes, because it is certain he is thinking about what is good for everyone." Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt has confirmed the League One club have made an approach to sign former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler. The 32-year-old is a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season and is a target for Coca-Cola Championship clubs Leicester and Cardiff. He has also reopened talks over a move to Sydney FC, according to reports in Australia.
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West Ham reject Carlos Tevez plea - Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 1:12am BST 12/07/2007
Carlos Tevez's transfer to Manchester United remained in a confused state last night after West Ham rejected a written request by the Argentina striker to cancel his playing contract while Fifa confirmed they would be prepared to become involved in the increasingly messy saga. The Premier League have warned West Ham that they could risk disciplinary action if they do not receive a transfer fee for the 23-year-old South American, while United are desperate to conclude the matter ahead of the season's start. Two letters, one from Tevez and one from his representatives, were received by West Ham yesterday in an attempt to kick-start his transfer to United by doing the same type of deal that took Javier Mascherano to Liverpool.
United want the player on a two-year loan, with a loan fee of around £10 million to be paid to the company, owned by Kia Joorabchian, who control his economic rights. For the deal to go ahead West Ham would have to agree to cancel his registration but it is understood both the club and the Premier League have refused to do so. United have agreed terms with Tevez, who is playing for Argentina in the Copa America in Venezuela, and Joorabchian and hoped to have everything confirmed last week. But with the deal now reaching an impasse, the dispute could soon involve both the Football Association and Fifa, not to mention the law courts as well. A Fifa spokesman said: "We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far. If we do receive a request we would then decide whether we have to look at it or if it is up to the FA to rule on it. The FA could also ask us for guidance and send us all the relevant information."
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Hammers won't tear up Tevez deal - TeamTalk
West Ham have rejected a bid by Carlos Tevez to cancel his playing contract, with the transfer dispute now expected to be settled by FIFA. The Hammers and the Premier League have also rejected a request by the Argentina striker's representatives to have his registration cancelled. Tevez's camp want to try to re-start his transfer to Manchester United by doing the same deal that took Javier Mascherano to Liverpool. In order to do so, the Hammers would have to agree to cancel his registration but it is understood both the club and the Premier League have refused to do so. A letter from Tevez demanding for his contract with West Ham to be terminated was received on Tuesday and has been rejected, as has a separate letter to the club and the League from his representatives about his registration. It is now becoming increasing likely that FIFA will have to step in to break the stalemate. West Ham pointed to last Friday's statement by chairman Eggert Magnusson, which stated: "Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham player, contracted to the club until June 2010. There is no agreement with West Ham for Carlos Tevez to leave the club."
West Ham realise that if they do anything contrary to the Premier League's instructions they could be left open to further disciplinary action over third-party agreements. FIFA say they may be prepared to step in to settle the transfer dispute - but they have yet to receive any official request to do so. Football's world governing body can become involved if there is an international element to a transfer or if they are asked by the Football Association. The Argentina striker's representatives are preparing to call on FIFA and the FA after his proposed move to Manchester United stalled due to the Premier League's insistence that West Ham must receive the bulk of the reported £30million fee. Tevez's representative, businessman Kia Joorabchian, says he owns the player's economic rights. A FIFA spokesman said: "We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far. "If we do receive a request we would then decide whether we have to look at it or if it is up to the FA to rule on it. "The FA could also ask us for guidance and send us all the relevant information."
Manchester United have agreed terms with Tevez and Joorabchian and hoped to have everything tied up last week - but the deal has now reached an impasse. It is understood Tevez's camp believe the Premier League can no longer act as independent arbiter in the case.
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Kia makes Tevez contract threat - The Sun
By MARK IRWIN
July 12, 2007
KIA JOORABCHIAN is ready to hand over all documents relating to Carlos Tevez's contract at West Ham. Sheffield United are going to the High Court tomorrow after a Premier League inquiry decided not to dock the Hammers points for breaking rules by fielding striker Tevez. A source close to Joorabchian, who represents the Argentine hitman, said: "If the judge rules all the paperwork must be made public we will be forced to co-operate. "We have no idea how significant the paperwork may be, all we know is we have done nothing wrong."
The Blades were relegated on the final day of last season - but say West Ham should have been deducted points over the Tevez affair and gone down instead.
The Blades have already failed in an appeal against the Premier League decision to fine West Ham £5.5million. Now they are seeking High Court permission to appeal again. Manchester United are trying to sign Tevez. But the Premier League insist Joorabchian's MSI company has no hold over Tevez after his third-party agreement was ripped up by the Hammers. And they are adamant United can only deal with West Ham.
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Yossi snubs cash for Kop - The Sun
By PHIL THOMAS
July 12, 2007
YOSSI BENAYOUN turned down an extra £10,000 a week to become the latest recruit to the Liverpool revolution. And Ajax wonderkid Ryan Babel, 20, is on the brink of joining him at Anfield after the winger passed his medical and agreed personal terms last night. Israeli international Benayoun opted for the Reds ahead of Manchester City - even though he could have picked up £55,000 a week at Eastlands. Yet the West Ham midfielder's heart was set on joining Rafa Benitez's Anfield transformation - ending a two-year monitoring process by the Kop boss. Benayoun, 27, will cost up to £5million, while the deal for Holland Under- 21 star Babel could total £12.5m once the two clubs compromise on the fee. Both are likely to be officially presented as Liverpool's latest additions to a rapidly changing cast today. And their arrivals will take Benitez's spending to over £35m in a week, as he aims to build a title-winning side. After snapping up Benayoun, Benitez revealed he had been watching him since he arrived at Upton Park from Racing Santander two years ago. The Reds boss revealed: "I first saw him play for Racing in La Liga and he was a really good player. When he first came to England we were watching to be sure he could adapt to a different style. "It's clear he's done this very well at West Ham. Our fans will remember how well he played in the FA Cup final against us two years ago. "We thought then he was capable of stepping up to a higher level."
Benitez reckons Benayoun will be an ideal replacement for Luis Garcia, who has returned to Atletico Madrid. He said: "Perhaps Luis is a player who scores more goals but Benayoun tends to make more. "Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player. "He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and had offers from other clubs willing to give him more money. "But Yossi's message was always the same — he was desperate to join only Liverpool because this was his dream."
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West Ham block Tevez move to Man Utd - telegraph
By Giles Mole and agencies
Last Updated: 1:03pm BST 11/07/2007
West Ham have rejected an attempt by Carlos Tevez to cancel his playing contract. The club and the Premier League have also rejected a request by the Argentina striker's representatives to have his registration cancelled. Tevez's camp want to try to re-start his transfer to Manchester United by doing the same deal that took Javier Mascherano to Liverpool. In order to do so, West Ham would have to agree to cancel his registration but it is understood both the club and the Premier League have refused to do so. A letter from Tevez demanding for his contract with West Ham to be terminated was received yesterday and has been rejected, as has a separate letter to the club and the League from his representatives about his registration. It is now becoming increasing likely that Fifa will have to step in to break the stalemate.
West Ham pointed to last Friday's statement by chairman Eggert Magnusson, which stated: "Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham player, contracted to the club until June 2010. There is no agreement with West Ham for Carlos Tevez to leave the club."
West Ham realise that if they do anything contrary to the Premier League's instructions they could be left open to further disciplinary action over third-party agreements. Fifa say they may be prepared to step in to settle the transfer dispute - but they have yet to receive any official request to do so. Football's world governing body can become involved if there is an international element to a transfer or if they are asked by the Football Association. The Argentina striker's representatives are preparing to call on Fifa and the FA after his proposed move to Manchester United stalled due to the Premier League's insistence that West Ham must receive the bulk of the reported £30 million fee. Tevez's representative, businessman Kia Joorabchian, says he owns the player's economic rights.
A Fifa spokesman said: "We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far. "If we do receive a request we would then decide whether we have to look at it or if it is up to the FA to rule on it. "The FA could also ask us for guidance and send us all the relevant information."
Manchester United have agreed terms with Tevez and Joorabchian and hoped to have everything tied up last week - but the deal has now reached an impasse. It is understood Tevez's camp believe the Premier League can no longer act as independent arbiter in the case.
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He's not Appy at hold-up - The Sun
By GARY PAYNE
July 12, 2007
WEST HAM target Stephen Appiah last night blasted Fenerbahce for blocking his £5million move to Upton Park. The Ghana captain is desperate to join - despite the Turkish champs claiming he had turned down the Hammers. The former Juventus midfielder has refused to go on Fenerbahce's pre-season tour of Austria. Appiah, 26, said: "I am very angry about stories saying I want to stay at Fenerbahce indefinitely. "West Ham have expressed strong interest in me and I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer. "It is my ambition to play in the Premier League. "At the start of last season I turned down offers from top clubs in Europe to help them lift the title because of my love for the team and fans. "Even while injured I continued to play so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to West Ham."
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JOORABCHIAN SEEKING TEVEZ SETTLEMENT - Football365
Posted 12/07/07 07:32EmailPrintSave
Kia Joorabchian is still hoping to settle the Carlos Tevez affair - and complete the Argentina striker's proposed move from West Ham to Manchester United - amicably and out of court. Joorabchian confirmed on Wednesday night that he is prepared to hand over all documentation relating to Tevez's contract at West Ham if instructed by the High Court. Sheffield United have their appeal against the Premier League inquiry's verdict heard on Friday and club officials are confident of a positive outcome. That could force Joorabchian to provide all the papers relating to Tevez's controversial move to West Ham from Corinthians last August. It is understood the documentation could potentially be harmful to West Ham's case - and that may go some way to helping settle the contractual wrangle which is holding up Tevez's transfer to Old Trafford. But Joorabchian would much prefer to reach an agreement with West Ham and the Premier League over Tevez's future out of court. Tevez's representatives have been trying to kick-start his transfer to Manchester United by doing the same type of deal that took Javier Mascherano from West Ham to Liverpool.
In order to do so, the Hammers would have to agree to cancel his registration but it is understood both the club and the Premier League have refused. The Hammers are aware that if they do anything contrary to the Premier League's instructions, they could be left open to further disciplinary action over third-party agreements. Joorabchian is now considering an appeal for FIFA to act as arbiters and try to untangle the contractual mess. FIFA say they may be prepared to step in to settle the transfer dispute - but they have yet to receive any official request to do so. The world game's governing body can become involved if there is an international element to a transfer or if they are asked to by the Football Association. Tevez's move to United has stalled due to the Premier League's insistence that West Ham must receive the bulk of the £30million-plus fee. That is because the Hammers were allowed to keep playing Tevez last season after assuring the Premier League all third-party clauses in the player's contract had been severed. But Joorabchian claims he never agreed to rip up the contract and therefore still owns the player's economic rights.
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NEW TEVEZ TWIST - The Mirror
By David Anderson 12/07/2007
CARLOS TEVEZ'S representative last night revealed he may hand over explosive evidence which could relegate West Ham. reckons the Hammers would have been docked points if the independent disciplinary commission had known all the facts in the case surrounding the Argentinian striker. Joorabchian remains at odds with West Ham over Tevez and he claims the player's loan period has expired and that his £20million transfer to Manchester United should go through, while the Hammers insist they still hold his registration. Joorabchian is speaking to Sheffield United who are continuing their fight to be reinstated to the Premier League at West Ham's expense. And he has told Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe that he may be prepared to hand them documents relating to Tevez's third-party ownership which could turn the case on its head. Joorabchian is speaking to United's lawyers and sources close to the Anglo-Iranian businessman, who brought Tevez to Upton Park last summer, say he is torn about what to do. He feels all the facts have yet to come out regarding the Tevez affair and the player's representative believes West Ham might be relegated if he revealed everything he has in his possession. The Hammers were fined a record £5.5million when the commission found they had broken Premier League rules on third party ownership. The Premier League did not wish to comment last night but it is understood that they are refusing to panic over the new claims. They insist they have done everything correctly and an arbitration hearing into their handling of the case found in their favour. Sheffield United would not comment on last night's developments, but it is understood they are heartened by Joorabchian's admission.
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West Ham boss wants more signings
tribalfooball.com - July 11, 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley intends to follow the signing of Craig Bellamy with another striker. With Marlon Harewood and Carlos Tevez both likely to leave Upton Park, the Hammers manager wants to recruit another forward. "We're still in the market, if we feel that there's a player out there that can improve us," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "I think in some respects the club, people would like to see us run before we can crawl, let alone walk before we can crawl - perhaps that's the perception of us at the moment. "The chairman has said he's in it for the long term and perhaps it all can't be achieved straight away. We need a good solid season."
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Joorabchian issues court testimony threat to West Ham - The Independent
By Jason Burt
Published: 12 July 2007
The businessman who claims to control Carlos Tevez is threatening to appear as a witness for Sheffield United if they win the right to a High Court challenge over the Premier League's handling of the affair.
The appeal is scheduled for tomorrow and such is Kia Joorabchian's frustration with the Premier League after it blocked Tevez's £35m move to Manchester United that he is considering contacting the Sheffield United chairman, Kevin McCabe, to hand over key documentation. Joorabchian believes he has evidence that would prove damaging to the League and West Ham, Tevez's present club. He considered appearing as witness for the Blades at last month's arbitration hearing but decided against it.
Now Joorabchian feels he may have little choice but to become involved if Tevez is to win the right to move clubs. The Premier League claim the undertakings given to them by West Ham - that the striker was solely their player and that a side agreement did not exist - mean that they cannot cancel Tevez's registration and allow him to leave without keeping most of the fee.
Joorabchian argues that West Ham teared up the agreement he had with them - that Tevez was only on loan for a season - and that they had no right to him if they decided against using a £40m buy-out clause.
Sheffield United accept that there is no time for them to be reinstated to the top-flight but are demanding up to £50m compensation because West Ham were fined rather than deducting points over the controversial signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
Privately, West Ham realise that they are in a mess over the affair, while the Premier League is threatening them with the possibility of a second inquiry. That would raise the prospect of a points deduction this season.
Joorabchian and Tevez have written to the club requesting that the player's contract, which West Ham argues runs until 2010, is cancelled. That has been rejected, as has one from Joorabchian to the Premier League for Tevez's registration to be handed to Manchester United.
The Premier League have also thrown out Joorabchian's argument that the deal to take Tevez to United is similar to the one brokered for Mascherano to move to Liverpool.
Joorabchian and United have appealed to the Football Association to intervene while Fifa, world football's governing body, may also have to get involved to try and break the stalemate. It would take a request from the FA for that to happen.
It is understood Tevez's camp - backed by Manchester United, who wanted to announce the deal last week - believe the Premier League can no longer act as independent arbiter in the case.
Yesterday, a Fifa spokesman said: "We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far."
Manchester United's lawyers have also argued that the Premier League has no right to dictate where transfer fees are paid. But that too has been rejected by the body whose chief executive, Richard Scudamore, has found himself under increasing pressure.
West Ham, who yesterday sold Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool for £5m, are continuing to plan for next season and have made inquiries about the Cameroon midfielder Achille Emana, who would cost around £5m from Toulouse, and Fenerbahçe's Stephen Appiah.
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Tevez wrangle rumbles on after warning for West Ham - The Times
James Ducker
The Premier League has privately warned West Ham United that they could face further disciplinary action over the Carlos Tévez affair if they do not receive a transfer fee for the Argentina forward should the player join Manchester United.
West Ham relinquished any power to terminate Tévez's contract when, after being found guilty in April of acting improperly over his signing last summer, they terminated their third-party agreement with Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who owns the economic rights to the player, and gave the League assurances that they would "assert their rights" over the Argentinian.
As a consequence, West Ham had no alternative but to reject a request in writing from Tévez this week to have his playing contract cancelled. The club and the League have also turned down a written request from Tévez's representatives to cancel the player's registration, which West Ham hold.
Tévez has agreed to join United on a two-year loan, at the end of which the champions would have the option to buy him permanently, but until it is agreed and then proven that West Ham have received and kept a "significant portion" of the reputed £6 million transfer fee, the deal cannot go ahead.
The problem centres on the fact that Joorabchian claims that he did not agree to the termination of the third-party agreement with West Ham. He could potentially sue the club for breach of contract if he is not the one paid the money.
All three parties believe that they can reach an agreement, but it is likely to hinge on Joorabchian and West Ham reaching a settlement that satisfies both of them and the League. Although unlikely, there is a chance the matter could end up in the courts.
The FA had still to be approached last night to act as an arbitrator to oversee the move, but Fifa, football's world governing body, effectively ruled out any chance of getting involved yesterday because the transfer is domestic rather than one between clubs from different countries.
A spokesman for Fifa said: "If we receive any formal requests from any of the parties involved we would look at it and if there is any international aspect to the transfer we could intervene but if it is decided that this is only a domestic transfer then it is a matter for the national association only."
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FIFA ready to decide on Tevez as Hammers insist on formal offer - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:41pm on 11th July 2007
The Argentina striker's £20million switch from West Ham to Manchester United has been held up by a row over ownership rights. Tevez's representatives insist the Upton Park club are not entitled to compensation for the striker who, they claim, was effectively on loan last season. But the Hammers, backed by the Premier League, believe a transfer fee is warranted because, in their view, third-party agreements in place when Tevez were signed are no longer valid. In a bid to break the impasse, Tevez's representatives - led by businessman Kia Joorabchian - may report the matter to FIFA who are the ultimate regulators of transfers. The world governing body could be asked to rule if Tevez should be allowed to cancel his contract with West Ham - which has three years still to run - in order to join United. The Premier League yesterday rejected an attempt by the Tevez camp to cancel his registration with West Ham. It is understood the League are not satisfied his desire to join another club is a valid reason for cancelling a contract under the rules. This view is contested by Tevez's representatives, who claim a third-party agreement with West Ham gives them economic rights over the player. Sources have indicated they are poised to ask for FIFA for a ruling. A FIFA spokesman said: "Any party can send a case to FIFA as long as they can prove it is related to an international transfer. FIFA can request documentation from all parties involved and decide whether to look into the case or if it is a matter for the Football Association." One problem for Joorabchian will be proving the Tevez deal is an international transfer. Although he is likely to argue the move involves United dealing with a third party not based in the UK, the Premier League will say the transfer is a domestic deal between the Manchester club and West Ham. The Football Association are yet to receive any communication relating to the Tevez transfer. Officials are monitoring the situation and are in close contact with the Premier League. The FA have the power to take action but will only get involved in the dispute in response to a specific request. If FIFA and the FA cannot resolve the row, it could be headed for the Court of Arbitration for Sport. West Ham are understood to be waiting for United to make a formal bid for the 23-year-old.
A club spokesman said: "Tevez is a registered player with West Ham and has a player's contract, and there is no change to that. In order for this to change a formal offer has to be made for the player and West Ham have made it clear we would like him to stay. At the moment, no deal is in place for him to move."
United believe they don't need to pay any cash to West Ham because they consider Tevez a free agent.
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Appiah open to Hammers move - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:25pm on 11th July 2007
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has asked his club Fenerbahce to talk to West Ham over a possible move to Upton Park. The Turkish champions are reluctant to lose the midfielder, having already turned down several offers, but with Yossi Benayoun moving to Liverpool, West Ham remain keen. Appiah, who wants out, said: "I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer."
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Liverpool agree fee for Benayoun - Times Online and Agencies
Liverpool have agreed a fee with West Ham United for Yossi Benayoun, the Israel international midfielder. The 27-year-old, who joined West Ham in a £2.5million move from Spanish club Racing Santander in July 2005, signed a new five-year contract at Upton Park just two months ago, quelling speculation of his mooted departure, but appears to have re-considered his future in the light of Liverpool's offer. Benayoun's agent Ronen Katzav said: "Everybody would be happy to play for Liverpool. West Ham will always be in his heart but he is looking to move up a level."
Liverpool have also been given permission to speak to Ajax winger Ryan Babel, seemingly unperturbed by the Dutch club's £13.5m price tag. "We're not quite there with Ryan Babel yet but we've now been given permission by Ajax to talk to the player," Rick Parry, the Liverpool chairman, said."We hope to reach an agreement with Ajax very shortly."
Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has already added Athletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres and Ukrainian international Andriy Voronin from Bayer Leverkusen to his squad, as he looks to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership title. Benayoun's transfer may well have been eased by the sale of Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy, who moved in the opposite direction for £7.5m yesterday.
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West Ham battle Monaco for Emana
tribalfooball.com - July 11, 2007
West Ham United must see off competition from AS Monaco to land Toulouse midfielder Achilles Emana. Emana, 25, enjoyed an outstanding last season and is now ready to leave Toulouse. His representatives have been in contact with West Ham and Monaco about a move this summer.
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FIFA: No Tevez requests so far - TeamTalk
FIFA insist they have not yet received any official request to settle the Carlos Tevez transfer dispute, but would be prepared to consider one. Football's world governing body can become involved if there is an international element to a transfer or if they are asked by the Football Association. The Argentina striker's representatives are preparing to call on FIFA and the FA after his proposed move to Manchester United stalled due to the Premier League's insistence that West Ham must receive the bulk of the reported £30million fee. Tevez's representative, businessman Kia Joorabchian, says he owns the player's economic rights. A FIFA spokesman said: "We have not received any official request from any of the parties involved so far. "If we do receive a request, we would then decide whether we have to look at it or if it is up to the FA to rule on it. "The FA could also ask us for guidance and send us all the relevant information."
Manchester United have agreed terms with Tevez and Joorabchian and hoped to have everything tied up last week - but the deal has now reached an impasse. It is understood Tevez's camp believe the Premier League can no longer act as independent arbiter in the case. A source close to the negotiations said: "Diplomatic moves are being made. We are in deadlock and we need an independent body to try to sort this mess out."
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Appiah demands West Ham talks - GhanaWeb
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has asked his club Fenerbahce to talk to West Ham over a possible move to the English Premiership. The Turkish champions are reluctant to release the midfielder, having turned down several offers for the 26-year-old. With the imminent departure of Yossi Benayoun to Liverpool, West Ham are keen on using the money earned from the sale of Nigel Reo-Coker to enter the chase for the Ghana captain. Appiah is reported to be frustrated at efforts being made to keep him at Fenerbahce and his absence on the first day of the team’s training camp in Austria has prompted fears of a protest from the midfielder. Appiah said: “If West Ham United have expressed strong interest in me and I think Fenerbahce will have to listen to their offer and other offers on the table for me. “It is public knowledge that I want to move to England in the interest of the education of my kids, who still live in Italy because of their education. “At the start of last season I turned down several offers from top clubs in Europe just to help Fenerbahce lift the title because of my love for the team and fans. “Even while I was injured I continued to play to secure the title so they should also take my interest into consideration and listen to the offers. “It is only fair that having served them with all my heart they should also take my interest into consideration even though I understand I have a contract with this great Turkish club. “I want my future to be sorted out soon so that I can make my future plans now.â€
The midfielder could have joined for Scottish side Celtic for US$11m last month, according to the Times but his reported demands for £60,000-a-week were too much for Celtic to stomach.
However, Celtic could bring Appiah back to the negotiating table if Thomas Gravesen is offloaded to English Championship side Sheffield United. German side Schalke are also reported to have upped their offer to secure Appiah ahead of their participation in the Uefa Champions League. Valencia and Juventus have also been linked with a summer move for Appiah.
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Bellamy wants Euro return at West Ham
Jul 11 2007
by Alex Lowe, Liverpool Daily Post Correspondent
CRAIG BELLAMY is determined to fire West Ham into the Champions League after completing a club- record £7.5million move from Liverpool to Upton Park.
The Wales captain agreed a five-year deal with the Hammers once it was made clear he had no future at Anfield following the arrival of Spain international Fernando Torres. Bellamy, 28 later this week, only spent one season at Liverpool and has led a nomadic existence in recent years, with short spells at Newcastle, Celtic and Blackburn. But he is ready to lay roots in east London and is convinced the Hammers will be competing among the elite before too long.
Bellamy said: "I want to play in Europe, it's important to me, and I felt that same drive and ambition here at West Ham. "It would be naive of me to say we are going to qualify for the Champions League next season but that's one thing we are really going to be pushing for here in the future. "The club is looking to strengthen what is already a very good squad, and West Ham are renowned for their open and attacking football, so everything is perfect for me. "I had a great experience at Liverpool and I believe West Ham will benefit this year because I know I am a better player for it. "I've signed a five-year contract here and I will be here for the long term. I've moved around a bit in recent years. Now I want to settle. "I'm 28 later this week and hopefully approaching the prime years of my career. I believe West Ham are going to see the best of me." Bellamy joins former Blackburn colleague Lucas Neill. The Australian turned down the chance of a move to Liverpool to sign for West Ham in January and Bellamy understands why. "I supported Liverpool as a boy and would have had the chance to play Champions League football again next season but I needed to look beyond that, in the same way that Lucas Neill did when he came here," said Bellamy. "I understood Lucas's position. If he'd joined Liverpool, he would have been a squad player, like I was. Some people don't understand it, but the opportunity to be a senior figure at an ambitious club like West Ham is very attractive."
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FA TO ARBITRATE ON TEVEZ TRANSFER? - RedIssue
By Editor Wednesday 11th July 2007
Impasse no good for anyone as PL refuse to sanction West Ham cancelling his contract. Court is even mentioned.
The Times:
The FA is expected to be asked to act as arbitrator to oversee Carlos Tévez's move to Manchester United. The transfer has reached an impasse because of the determination of the Premier League that West Ham United should receive most of the proceeds from his move. However, Manchester United had expected to pay the money to Kia Joorabchian and the companies that had brought Tévez to England, Media Sports Investments and Just Sports Inc. The companies own the economic rights of Tévez, although his registration is owned by West Ham. The three parties believe they can reach a deal. But there is a growing belief that the League has been intervening to protect its position. The League is concerned that if it is seen that West Ham do not receive the money from the transfer, it will appear that the third-party agreement between the club and Joorabchian for Tévez was not ripped up. West Ham were required to terminate that agreement after being found guilty of breaching league rules in his transfer. That would then provide Sheffield United, who were relegated to the Coca-Cola Championship in West Ham's place, with fresh ammunition to pursue their case against the League for not establishing whether the agreement was terminated.
The Guardian:
Manchester United's pursuit of Carlos Tevez edged closer to the courts last night after the Premier League rejected an attempt by MSI, the offshore company that brought the player to the Premiership, to cancel his registration with West Ham United. The Premier League also rejected a personal letter from Tevez in which he notified them that he was terminating his contract with the London club.
The Premier League refused to allow both Tevez's letter and MSI's request on the grounds that it does not consider that MSI have any rights over the player's registration, having been informed by West Ham that the club has torn up its agreements with MSI. Last Thursday the league ruled that Tevez could not join Manchester United unless West Ham received any transfer fee in full.
The moves by MSI to free up the player to join United came as it emerged that the Old Trafford hierarchy has ruled out paying West Ham anything for the player as they do not consider that the London club are his owners.
United's position, established after talks with MSI, who own Tevez's commercial rights, directly contradicts the Premier League's view. United are satisfied however that West Ham have no rights over Tevez and Old Trafford has been in negotiations with MSI's front man, Kia Joorabchian, over a two-year loan deal that would include a right to buy the player for a pre-arranged fee during that period. United also think that Tevez's registration will transfer to them as they believe that technically the Argentinian forward is a free-agent.
United's stance threatens to undermine the agreement reached between the Premier League and West Ham in April after the club was found guilty of breaking rules governing third-party agreements. On the morning after West Ham were fined £5m for breaching regulation U18 the Premier League board informed West Ham that Tevez could continue playing for them if the offending contract, between West Ham and MSI, was unilaterally terminated by the club.
PA:
A source close to the negotiations said: "Diplomatic moves are being made. We are in deadlock and we need an independent body to try and sort this mess out. "The lawyers all agree Manchester United and Joorabchian are within their rights to do a deal - but the Premier League are saying they can't. "The Premier League seem to have a vested interest now. They are covering their own backs after allowing West Ham to continue playing Tevez last season.
"Their whole argument is built on the premise West Ham tore up Tevez's contract and claimed to control the player. "But any court in the land will tell you they cannot do that."
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CURBISHLEY KEEPS OUT OF IT - RedIssue
By Editor Wednesday 11th July 2007
West Ham released a statement prior to the weekend confirming they held the forward's registration and he is under contract at Upton Park until 2010.
Sir Alex Ferguson insists there will be nothing 'dodgy' in the transfer, following the problems which landed the Hammers with a £5.5million fine for the original deal which brought Tevez, and Javier Mascherano, to England. There have been suggestions that the Red Devils will sign the 23-year-old on a two-year loan deal, with an option for a permanent deal, rather than spending a lump sum immediately. Either way, Hammers boss Curbishley is insistent that the East London club must be involved in the decision-making process regarding Tevez's future. "Obviously, Manchester United are interested. "Whatever happens has got to go through West Ham, that's the situation. "I've kept quite out of it, that's for other people and we'll see what happens."
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Hammers to test United hold over N'ZogbiaJul 11 2007
by Luke Edwards, The Journal
NEWCASTLE United will resist any attempts from West Ham United to lure Charles N'Zogbia away from St James's Park – despite the Frenchman's troubles on Tyneside last season. The Hammers have targeted N'Zogbia after completing the club record £7.5m signing of former United striker Craig Bellamy yesterday, but The Journal understands Sam Allardyce is not interested in allowing the young midfielder to leave the North-East. N'Zogbia lost his way last season after an impressive early impact at the club, form which once made him one of the most exciting prospects in the Premiership. The youngster, who was linked with a move to Arsenal last year, did not enjoy a good relationship with former Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder and, with the signing of Damien Duff meaning he was no longer first choice on the left wing, his football suffered.
Indeed, after the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth in April, Roeder hauled the winger off at half time after heavily criticising him in front of stunned team-mates in the dressing room. N'Zogbia responded by insisting he wanted to leave the club this summer. His lack of application and poor attitude came to a head on the final day of the season when he refused to be a substitute against Watford and left the ground before kick-off, only to return when he realised he did not know where he was.
However, Allardyce has been quick to establish a bond with the 21-year-old and N'Zogbia has responded positively to his man management after learning the new manager wanted him to stay. With Duff a long-term injury casualty until November, N'Zogbia will enjoy a more prominent first-team role at the start of the new season. Sources have claimed the Le Havre youth team product has looked sharp and enthusiastic during the club's training camp in Austria this week and there have been no indications from him that he still wants to leave.
Nevertheless, West Ham are still likely to make a £4m bid in an attempt to test United's resolve to hang on to him, as well as the player's commitment to
staying in the North-East. The east London side – who are likely to lose midfielder Yossi Benayoun before the start of the season – have offered massive wages to lure players to Upton Park this year and will hope that will be enough to tempt N'Zogbia, who is under contract at St James's Park until 2010, to accept a new challenge.
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