Zola looking for super six
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola thinks the spirit in his West Ham United will help them
continue their fine away form
09.01.2009
Gianfranco Zola is convinced his in-form West Ham United team can extend the
club's superb unbeaten Premier League run away from home at Newcastle United
on Saturday.
The Hammers head for St James' Park full of confidence after winning two and
drawing three of their last five top-flight matches on their travels. That
run - the best top-flight showing since a half-dozen matches unbeaten in the
2000/01 campaign - has seen United secure impressive wins at Sunderland and
Portsmouth as well as valuable points at Middlesbrough, Liverpool and
Chelsea. Manager Zola and his players are confident of securing yet another
positive result against the Magpies.
"The mood is quite high. The players are getting their confidence back and
they are performing well but I believe that we can still improve and I'm
expecting that we will improve in the next game. I'm very pleased [with the
away form]. The team is looking solid right now and is playing well. The
confidence is coming back to everybody, even to the manager!"
Zola began his reign as West Ham manager with a 3-1 win over Newcastle at
the Boleyn Ground on 20 September. Since then, the north-east club has
appointed Joe Kinnear as manager, owner Mike Ashley has abandoned plans to
sell and the team has climbed out of the Premier League's relegation zone.
Saturday's hosts may have lost their last two top-flight matches and go into
the weekend without a host of injured first-team players but Zola is
prepared for a stern test.
"I'm expecting a tough game, obviously, because they need points and they
will be very determined to get them. But we are prepared. I think we have
prepared the whole week properly. We are looking forward to playing this
game. I personally can't wait. It's going to be tough but we can cause them
a lot of problems."
One player who Newcastle fans will be understandably wary of is Kieron Dyer,
who made a successful comeback after 16 months out with a broken leg in last
weekend's FA Cup third round win over Barnsley. The England forward made 251
appearances in eight years at St James' Park before moving to east London in
August 2007.
Zola said: "He is a very important player for this club and I want him to
become a very important player for me as well. He knows that. The other day
when he played he did very good things. He needs to improve his fitness
level because the Premier League is hard, especially physically. I'm pleased
with him. He's done well the other day and I'm sure we will try to get him
fit quickly."
Off the pitch, manager Zola also reiterated his desire to keep his best
players at the Boleyn Ground, but admitted he was keen to trim down the size
of his first-team squad. His positive mood as he looks for a third positive
result in the north-east this season is also set to be boosted by the return
of Matthew Upson, Lucas Neill and Valon Behrami from injury, while Scott
Parker will be available again after suspension.
"We want to [keep our best players]. We have targets to achieve. We have
things to achieve and we know that if we are going to achieve what we want
to achieve that we need our best players so we want to keep them. We hope
so. We are trying very hard.
"What we are trying to do here is to create a situation where everyone is
happy. I said it the first day that I came in that this team has got a big,
big squad and, when everybody is fit, I don't want to have players who are
only training and are not happy because they are not playing. We are trying
to create a situation where everybody can get a game so there is the
prospect that some players might need to go."
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Awayday memories fire TC
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United great Tony Cottee is confident Gianfranco Zola's men can
keep their run going
09.01.2009
West Ham United go to Newcastle United on Saturday looking to extend their
unbeaten Premier League away record to an impressive six matches.
Those sorts of runs do not come around very often but there was a memorable
instance at the start of the 1986/87 season. Back then, Tony Cottee and
Frank McAvennie were banging in goals up and down the country as United
looked to build on their third-place finish the previous campaign.
Cottee, in particular, was in fine form that autumn, winning his first full
England cap as a substitute in Sweden. More than 22 years on, the Hammers
legend still looks back on the club's overall ten-match unbeaten run on
their travels - including eight Division One and two League Cup fixtures -
with pride.
"The previous season we had finished third and we had such great
expectations of how the season was going to go, hoping to build on that
finish. We were OK at home but nothing brilliant but the away form was
really, really good. We actually got to the end of November before we lost
our first game. It was ten games unbeaten - eight in the league - and then
we got stuffed at Newcastle, which maybe is not a good sign!
West Ham United's run came to an end on 30 November 1986 at St James' Park,
with a virtuoso display from former Hammer Paul Goddard leading to a
surprising 4-0 defeat.
"Paul has just signed for them from us and he was instrumental in
orchestrating our downfall that day. We didn't play very well and I don't
think since then that the club has gone unbeaten in so many away games."
That result was in stark contrast to the previous season, when Cottee's goal
proved to be the difference between the two sides in a 2-1 West Ham victory
on Tyneside. McAvennie was also on target, scoring his tenth goal of the
season in a game that was played as early as 5 October.
"I remember that game. It was in the days before saturation coverage on TV
and I remember my goal. It was a long punt down the middle and I just got on
the end of it and hit it first time. Frank had scored just before me and it
put us 2-0 up. They got one back but we won the game and it was a great
result. We were flying that season."
More than two decades on and Gianfranco Zola's team have rediscovered their
Midas touch away from home, winning at Sunderland and Portsmouth and drawing
at Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Chelsea. Cottee himself has been hugely
impressed by the Hammers' form on their travels.
"It's been a great run of form when you think that a couple of those games
were away to Chelsea and Liverpool as well. You could say we caught both
teams at the right time but that would be taking away from the performances
of the lads. We've gone away to some really difficult places and got some
wonderful results.
"It's highly unusual because normally it's the home form that's so good for
West Ham but this time it's the away form that's getting us through. It's
been a long time since we were so good away from home."
West Ham United's record will be severely tested at Newcastle, where they
have not won since October 1998, but Cottee believes Zola's players have
what it takes to extend their run to a round half-dozen.
"It's the passion of the fans that makes it a difficult ground to play at.
As a player you look forward to the big games and, going back 20 years,
there was still a great atmosphere at Newcastle. To go to there in front of
50,000-odd Geordies screaming and with your few fans stuck up in the Gods
means it's a difficult place to go.
"Newcastle are fighting for their lives so it will be a tough game. Our two
wins over the Christmas period lifted us up into tenth place and, if we can
win, it would be great and we could almost start thinking about getting a
European place. It's an important game."
One man the Hammers must pay close attention to if they are to secure
another positive result is the Magpies' England striker Michael Owen. The
29-year-old has hit nine goals this season - including Newcastle's
consolation in their 3-1 defeat at the Boleyn Ground last September - and
Cottee has warned Matthew Upson and James Collins to be on their guard.
"I'm a huge fan. He's a really good goalscorer. I love watching Michael. He
doesn't contribute an awful lot outside the penalty area but if you get the
ball to him it's one or two touches and it's in the back of the net. Matt
and James will have to be very careful to keep an eye on Michael because if
you give him half a chance he will score. Hopefully they'll have an off-day
or the service won't be very good. The main thing really is to stop his
supply but we need to keep an eye on him."
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Fresh inquiry into Tevez affair
BBC.co.uk
The Premier League and the Football Association are to launch a fresh
inquiry into the conduct of West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair. The new
joint investigation will look into the London club's dealings with Tevez's
representatives. The Hammers were fined £5.5m in April 2007 by the Premier
League for breaking rules over third-party agreements. An independent
tribunal later ruled that Tevez was ineligible to play for West Ham in the
2006-07 season. Following the tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths, Sheffield
United lodged a compensation claim of up to £50m after they were relegated
when the Premier League's independent panel did not dock West Ham points
over the affair. The joint FA and Premier League statement said: "The joint
inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United immediately
after the independent disciplinary commission's decision of 27 April 2007
amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA rules."
The key point to be investigated is the evidence provided to the tribunal by
lawyer Graham Shear, solicitor for Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian. Shear said
that chief executive Scott Duxbury had provided verbal assurances that the
third-party agreement still existed - despite the Hammers chief having
informed the Premier League that the deal had been terminated. Griffiths
said in his findings: "If the Premier League had known what Mr Duxbury for
West Ham was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the commission
decision, we are confident that the Premier League would have suspended Mr
Tevez's registration as a West Ham player. "We have no doubt that the
services of Tevez were worth at least three points to West Ham over the
season and were what made the difference between West Ham remaining in the
Premiership and being relegated at the end of the season."
After being told the agreement had been terminated, the Premier League had
then allowed Tevez to play for the Hammers in the crucial relegation battle
that led to Sheffield United's eventual drop out of the top flight. The
inquiry means West Ham or individuals could face further disciplinary action
but the club say they have nothing to hide from the new inquiry. A club
statement said: "West Ham United will co-operate fully with the joint
inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League.
"We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and
investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the
Premier League following the initial penalty. "We have nothing to hide and
will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and
Premier League."
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Etherington deal confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Etherington has completed his move to Stoke City. The 27-year-old
put pen to paper on a deal worth around £3million plus bonuses to the
Hammers this afternoon. Etherington leaves the club after five years at the
Boleyn, having joined United as a makeweight in the deal which saw Freddy
Kanoute go to Tottenham in August 2003. The Truro-born winger made 193
appearances for West Ham in his five years at the club, scoring 18 goals -
the most memorable of which being the play-off semi final winner against
Ipswich at the Boleyn. However his recent form had been dramatically
affected by a series of personal problems which culminated in his employers
bailing him out of debt earlier this year. Etherington began his career at
Peterborough before moving to Tottenham, where he made 51 appearances in
four years before being snapped up by Glenn Roeder. He is expected to be
followed by Calum Davenport, Lee Bowyer and Luis Boa Morte out of the club
within the next few days.
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Hammers welcome new enquiry
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have responded to this afternoon's joint statement by the Premier
League and Football Assocation confirming that there will be yet another
inquiry into the Carlos Tevez affair. In a brief statement posted on
whufc.com tonight the club confirmed that they would 'co-operate fully' with
the inquiry, adding that they had 'nothing to hide' in the wake of the
announcement this afternoon.
"We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and
investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the
Premier League following the initial penalty," said the statement. "We have
nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our
evidence to The FA and Premier League."
The PL and FA issued a joint statement earlier today to confirm that a new
enquiry would be conducted in order to examine whether West Ham broke
further rules after the original Premier League panel's decision at the end
of April 2007, which fined the club a massive £5.5million for breaking two
minor league rules. Specifically it relates to Tevez's involvement in the
final three games of the 2006/07 season, for which he was granted permission
by the PL after receiving assurances from the Hammers that the original
contract between West Ham United and the player's rights owners had been
torn up. "The Premier League and the FA are to institute a joint inquiry
into the views expressed by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by
Lord Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation claim by
Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA rules," read the
statement. "The joint inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham
United immediately after the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision
of 27th April 2007 amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA
rules."
The timing of the decision to hold a new enquiry comes just weeks after the
most recent arbitration panel - headed by the FA - bizarrely concluded that
Tevez was responsible for Sheffield United's relegation. That finding gave
Sheffield the green light to sue West Ham for compensation, which, in the
Championship club's opinion, was worth an astonishing £50million. The new
hearing could go one of two ways, either of which will have a critical
bearing on the FA panel's decision to allow Sheffield United to sue for
damages. Should the inquiry decide that further rules were broken the
Hammers could face a further fine or even a points deduction - despite there
being no precedent for such a punishment (as per the original panel's April
2007 enquiry). However should the inquiry find in favour of West Ham the
chances of Sheffield United receiving any compensation whatsoever would be
virtually nil, given that the FA panel's decision relied so heavily on
Tevez's involvement in those final three games of the season.
Whilst West Ham United responded immediately to news of the inquiry,
Sheffield United are yet to respond.
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Zola on ... transfers
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 9th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has been talking about the transfer window and the club's
ambitions for the month ahead.
On squad ambitions ...
What we're trying to do here is create a situation where everybody is happy.
I said it the first day I came in, this team has got a big, big squad and
when everybody is fit I don't want to have players that are only training
and not happy because they're not playing.
That's what we're trying to do, we're trying to create a situation where
everybody can see that they can get a game. So with this prospect, some
players might need to go.
If we think that we need to improve our team then we're going to try to use
that money wisely. For the moment we have too big a squad, it's very
difficult for us to train all of them properly. So that's what we're trying
to do. We will see what happens.
On Matthew Etherington ...
We chose to do the best for all parties involved and I think it's good for
him that he's gone.
He's gone there, he's going to be playing regularly and I think that's a
good thing for him. We left on very good terms and we wish him all the best;
we want him to do well.
On Lee Bowyer ...
Lee Bowyer has spoken to a club and we'll see. He's one of those players
who's not playing enough at this club. He may want to go and play some more
football, it's as simple as that.
We'll see what happens, but in case he decides to stay we'll be very happy
to keep him.
On Calum Davenport ...
It's down to him. He's had an offer from a club and now it's down to him to
consider whether it's good enough for him or not.
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Hammers plan Moon mission
Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
West Ham are eyeing a move for Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon,
skysports.com understands. Moon is believed to be on Gianfranco Zola's list
of targets as he looks to bring in some fresh faces in the January transfer
window. The 22-year-old has impressed at Panathinaikos since arriving from
Ajax Cape Town last summer.
Moon, who can play at right-back or right-wing, is a regular in the South
Africa national team. West Ham are thought to be in the market for a new
right-back as doubts continue to surround the futures of Lucas Neill and
Julien Faubert. Moon, who is blessed with lightening speed, is thought to be
interested in a move to England and West Ham could be ready to offer him the
chance to play in the Premier League.
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Zola looking to keep stars
Italian makes promise to star players
Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham are determined to retain their best players
during the winter transfer window despite their financial problems. The
Hammers are currently looking to raise funds as they owe Sheffield United
compensation for the Carlos Tevez saga, while chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is short of cash following the demise of Hansa. Manchester City
have bid for star duo Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker, but Zola hopes the
players decide to stay at Upton Park as he promises to make them better
players. "I know the players (Bellamy and Parker) have had big offers but on
the other hand we believe we are offering them the possibility to improve,
to get better and better," stated Zola. "Hopefully our players will see that
and consider it. "The club is determined to keep the best players because we
want to take the team to a better level. Sometimes you have to accept
certain things - but at the moment we are determined to do this. "We want to
keep our players. We have targets to achieve and we know if we want to
achieve them, then we have to keep our best players. We hope we can keep
them."
Meanwhile, Zola has defended the club's sale of Matthew Etherington to Stoke
City stating there was little point in keeping a player who was not
featuring regularly.
Defender Calum Davenport is also mulling over a switch to Bolton, while Lee
Bowyer could also depart after The Hammers accepted a bid from Birmingham
for his services. "We chose to do the best for all parties involved. It is
good for him [Etherington]. He will be playing regularly. We left on very
good terms," the Italian continued. "(Davenport) has had an offer from a
club. Now it is down to him to decide whether it is good enough. "Lee Bowyer
spoke to a club and we will see. He is not playing enough in this club and
he may want to go and play some more football. We will see what happens. If
he decides to stay we will be very happy to keep him."
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Joint probe into Tevez affair
FA and Premier League to further investigate West Ham's actions
Last updated: 8th January 2009
SSN
The Football Association and the Premier League are to launch a fresh
inquiry into the Carlos Tevez affair. The saga has been ongoing for some
time and relates to West Ham's successful survival bid towards the end of
the 2006/07 season. The Hammers launched a miraculous escape to avoid the
drop on the final day of the season, at Sheffield United's expense. However,
they were found guilty of having broken Premier League rules in regards to
their acquisition of Argentine duo Javier Mascherano and Tevez. While the
former had joined Liverpool by the time Alan Curbishley led the capital club
to safety, Tevez played an instrumental role for Upton Park outfit. West Ham
were initially fined £5.5million for breaching laws regarding third-party
ownership, but escaped a points reduction. Sheffield United, unhappy at that
ruling, then sought considerable compensation as a result of what they
deemed to be an unfair relegation from the top-flight. An arbitration
tribunal then ruled in 2008 that the Hammers were wrong to play Tevez during
their end of season run in.
Now, the issue has resurfaced once more, with a joint probe set to be
launched into the actions of West Ham during that period. A statement read:
"The Premier League and the FA are to institute a joint inquiry into the
views expressed by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal chaired by Lord
Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation claim by
Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA Rules. "The joint
inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United immediately
after the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision of 27 April 2007
amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA Rules."
The Hammers, who could face further disciplinary action, have vowed to
'co-operate fully' with the investigation. "West Ham United will co-operate
fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League," read a
statement on the club's official website. "We have acted in good faith
throughout the various inquiries and investigations into this matter and
fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League following the initial
penalty. "We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again
reflected in our evidence to the FA and Premier League."
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West Ham face new Carlos Tevez probe
West Ham United are to face a fresh investigation into allegations that they
misled the Premier League over the Carlos Tevez affair after the League and
the Football Association launched a new joint inquiry into the saga on
Thursday.
Telegraph
By Paul Kelso
Last Updated: 8:03AM GMT 09 Jan 2009
If they are found to have misled the League they could be charged with a
breach of rule B13, which requires clubs to act in good faith, and may face
a new round of disciplinary hearings and the prospect of further fines or
points deductions. West Ham were fined £5.5 million in April 2007 for
breaching league rules concerning third-party agreements in their signing of
Tevez, who joined the previous summer despite his economic rights being
owned by Kia Joorabchian and his company MSI.
The new inquiry will focus on West Ham's conduct in the immediate aftermath
of the original Premier League ruling, and their decision to unilaterally
terminate their contract with MSI in order to allow Tevez to play in the
final three games of the season.
The central issue will be whether West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury
misled the league when he claimed that the club's contract with MSI had been
terminated. After being cleared to play, the Argentine was instrumental in
West Ham avoiding relegation, scoring the only goal in the final match of
the season at Manchester United to ensure survival.
Duxbury, former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson, Tevez's representative
Joorabchian, his solicitor Graham Shear and Sheffield United chairman Kevin
McCabe, will all be asked to give evidence in writing and in person to the
new inquiry. The joint investigation has been prompted by the findings of
Lord Griffiths, who last autumn chaired an FA arbitration panel hearing into
a £30 million compensation claim from Sheffield United, relegated in West
Ham's stead. Griffiths ruled in Sheffield United's favour and found that
Duxbury had misled the League in relation to the termination of the third
party agreement. In the wake of the original ruling Duxbury and West Ham
insisted that they terminated the agreement with MSI. That view was
contested by Shear, who said in evidence to Griffiths that Duxbury, in a
series of "oral cuddles", assured him that the third-party agreement
remained in place.
Asked if Duxbury assured Shear that they would not depart from the terms of
their deal with MSI, Shear said: "Broadly, yes. West Ham were desperate to
ensure that Mr Tevez played for the club in the critical last few games of
the season. Whilst having no choice but to adhere to the Premier League's
requirements, West Ham wanted to do everything possible to attempt to
placate the rights owners."
Griffith said in his ruling: "If the Premier League had known what Mr
Duxbury for West Ham was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the
commission decision, we are confident that the Premier League would have
suspended Mr Tevez's registration as a West Ham player."
West Ham said last night that they had nothing to hide, but the new
investigation is a further distraction in a troubled season. With owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson under financial pressure the new uncertainty will not
help his search for a buyer for the club. The decision to re-open a case
that has been deeply uncomfortable for the Premier League comes as a
surprise. Despite acute pressure from Sheffield United and Premier League
clubs including Wigan, the League has long insisted that the matter was
closed and that West Ham had satisfied the legal requirements of the Premier
League rulebook. League sources say the decision to look again at the issue
was taken on the advice of legal officials at the Premier League and the FA,
but there is scepticism as to whether the inquiry will reach a definitive
conclusion. The League also remain convinced that West Ham met the legal
requirements of the rulebook by terminating the third-party deal. That
prompted MSI to sue, and West Ham eventually settled out-of-court for £2
million, a move that satisfied the League that the club's assurances were
genuine. Any ruling that undermined that view would be catastrophic for
confidence in the leadership of the League.
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Hands off Craig Bellamy, says Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola has more than enough distractions, but while the Football
Association and Premier League were reopening the Carlos Tevez case, the
West Ham manager was doing his best to keep hold of his "untouchables".
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 9:33PM GMT 08 Jan 2009
West Ham sold Matthew Etherington to Stoke on Thursday, while Lee Bowyer and
Calum Davenport are close to leaving Upton Park for Birmingham and Bolton,
respectively. West Ham have already rejected a joint bid, from Manchester
City, for Bellamy and Scott Parker. Tottenham have also been knocked back
over Welshman Bellamy. "Of course, I have some players I consider very
important for the club and the club knows," warned Zola. "That's why we are
here, we want to keep those players and Bellamy is one of them. "I don't
want to go and make a list right now. The only players who are leaving the
club are those who, unfortunately, cannot get enough games. That's the only
reason why I want them to go."
Zola, who is also determined to keep Parker, Robert Green, Matthew Upson and
Herita Ilunga, admitted he had built a close relationship with the enigmatic
Bellamy.
The West Ham manager said: "I like him because he speaks and he tells you
the truth all of the time. "I know that he's got good teams around him that
are tempting him, but we want him to stay with us and I hope we can give him
something to improve our relationship. "But, professionally, he's been
perfect and it will be a very good thing for the club and for me if he
stays. I think there is a lot of respect for each other. I respect him
because he is a very good professional and I like it when somebody is
determined to improve. He has shown that attitude since I came here. "There
are not many players like him around. It would be difficult to replace him,
even if he left in June," added Zola. "That is why I say that this January
transfer window is a mess, really. It shouldn't be there."
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West Ham fear worst as fresh investigation into Tevez affair is launched
Inquiry to focus on West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury
New investigation follows Lord Griffiths' ruling
Owen Gibson guardian.co.uk, Thursday 8 January 2009 22.00 GMT
West Ham United, already contemplating a compensation bill of up to £50m and
mired in financial difficulty, now face the crippling prospect of a further
fine or a points deduction after the Football Association and the Premier
League today announced a fresh investigation into the protracted Carlos
Tevez affair.
The surprise move to launch a new joint inquiry, which will focus on the
conduct of West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury in the wake of the Premier
League's original ruling on the matter, is an attempt by the governing
bodies finally to draw a line under a damaging and messy dispute.
It will also be seen in the context of growing pressure from government on
footballing authorities to transparently and effectively police the game.
West Ham were originally fined £5.5m after admitting breaking Premier League
rules relating to third-party ownership of players, but the independent
panel convened by the Premier League in April 2007 did not impose a points
deduction.
After West Ham promised the League that his contract had been torn up, Tevez
went on to play a key role in keeping West Ham in the Premier League and
condemning a furious Sheffield United to the drop.
The FA and Premier League have come to the view that the conclusions of an
arbitration panel led by Lord Griffiths, delivered in September, have left
them with no option but to return to the matter. Their lawyers have written
to those involved asking them for written statements and arranging face to
face interviews.
Following a series of failed attempts by Sheffield United to have the
original verdict overturned, the pendulum swung their way when Lord
Griffiths ruled that Duxbury had provided Kia Joorabchian, the leader of the
consortium that "owned" Tevez and his Argentinian international colleague
Javier Mascherano, and his lawyer Graham Shear with a series of "oral
cuddles". Shear claimed that on two separate occasions, West Ham had agreed
privately to honour the agreement they had publicly promised the Premier
League they would tear up.
The lawyers have written to Shear, Duxbury, the former West Ham chairman
Eggert Magnusson and Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United chairman who
recently renewed his attack on the "poor governance" of the league over the
issue.
It is understood that Joorabchian, who later sued West Ham but settled out
of court, has also been contacted and welcomes the new inquiry as an
opportunity to put his case.
"If the Premier League had known what Mr Duxbury for West Ham was saying to
Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the commission decision, we are
confident that the Premier League would have suspended Mr Tevez's
registration as a West Ham player," said Lord Griffiths' report. "We have no
doubt that those [Tevez's] services were worth at least three points to West
Ham over the season and were what made the difference between West Ham
remaining in the Premier League and being relegated at the end of the
season."
West Ham have continued to back Duxbury. Insiders said today that they
remained confident that he had behaved properly. As no recordings of the
meetings between Duxbury, Joorabchian and Shear appear to exist, it will be
hard to prove who said what to whom and when.
"We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and
investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the
Premier League following the initial penalty," said the club in a statement.
"We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected
in our evidence to the FA and Premier League."
In November, Sheffield United won a high court injunction over West Ham
preventing the London club from taking its appeal to the Court of
Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. The injunction lapses in March, when West
Ham could try again.
Meanwhile, having performed due diligence on Sheffield United's books, Lord
Griffiths' tribunal is also scheduled to rule in March on the level of
compensation due to Sheffield United. The Yorkshire club is claiming up to
£50m in lost TV and sponsorship revenues, reduced transfer fees and lost
gate receipts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face points penalty for next season after new Tevez investigation
By Matt Lawton Last updated at 11:13 PM on 08th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham could start next season with a points deduction if the Premier
League discover they were guilty of a further breach of regulations during
the Carlos Tevez affair. The Premier League and Football Association on
Thursday announced a fresh, joint inquiry into the controversy. They want to
examine how an independent tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths last
September, arrived at a conclusion that supported Sheffield United in their
claim for up to £50million in compensation. According to the tribunal, West
Ham failed to adhere to the Premier League's demand that they end the
third-party agreement with Tevez's representative, Kia Joorabchian, before
the Argentina striker played in the final three games of the 2006-2007
season.
Graham Shear, who had acted as Joorabchian's lawyer, told the tribunal that
although the written agreement had been torn up, a verbal agreement was then
made between Scott Duxbury, now West Ham chief executive, and Joorabchian
which, in the eyes of the Premier League, could amount to a further breach
of regulations. That, in turn, could end with a points deduction. The case
is complicated by the fact that the Premier League were aware that certain
conversations had indeed taken place between Duxbury and the Joorabchian
camp. But nobody will feel more uncomfortable than Duxbury if the joint
inquiry concludes that Lord Griffiths and his colleagues uncovered evidence
that is worthy of further examination. If that is the conclusion this new
inquiry reaches, an independent commission would be appointed to examine the
events that followed the decision to fine West Ham £5.5m in April 2007. If
a commission then found that West Ham or an 'officer' of West Ham was at
fault, they would fall under Premier League regulations. If, however, it
turns out that Joorabchian and Shear have a case to answer, the FA's
disciplinary body would step in.
A joint statement said: 'The Premier League and the FA are to institute a
joint inquiry into the views expressed by the independent arbitral tribunal
chaired by Lord Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation
claim by Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA rules.
'The joint inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United
immediately after the independent disciplinary commission's decision of 27
April 2007 amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA rules.'
The Hammers insist they have nothing to hide and issued a statement which
said: 'West Ham United will co-operate fully with the joint inquiry. 'We
have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations
into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League
following the initial penalty.
'We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected
in our evidence to the FA and Premier League.'
Lord Griffiths' tribunal ruled: 'If the Premier League had known what Mr
Duxbury for West Ham was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the
commission decision, we are confident that the Premier League would have
suspended Mr Tevez's registration as a West Ham player. 'We have no doubt
that (Tevez's) services were worth at least three points to West Ham over
the season and were what made the difference between West Ham remaining in
the Premiership and being relegated at the end of the season.'
After being told the agreement had been terminated, the Premier League then
allowed Tevez to play for West Ham in the battles that led to Sheffield
United's relegation to the Championship. Their claim for up to £50m in
compensation from West Ham continues, complicating efforts to sell the club
amid a serious financial crisis. Sheffield United, some of whose players
took legal advice about suing for lost earnings, declined to comment.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Newcastle keeping tabs on Croatian
Sport.co.uk
Author: Charlie Coffey
Posted on: 08 January 2009 - 8:49 PM
West Ham and Newcastle are keeping tabs on £7million Croatian scoring
sensation Nikola Kalinic. The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as the 'New
Davor Suker' in his home country, has won rave reviews for his goalscoring
exploits with Hajduk Split.Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who spent part of his
playing career with the Hammers, has already handed the player his
international debut and rates the forward as one of the best young prospects
in Europe. Kalinic scored 17 times in 25 appearances last season and has
enjoyed similar success this year, netting 12 times in 20 games. And both
West Ham and Newcastle are keen to bring the player to England although they
may face a fight with Valencia and Bayern Munich also interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face fresh Tevez probe
FA and Premier League launch joint inquiry after tribunal chairman's remarks
By Jason Burt
Friday, 9 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
The Carlos Tevez saga took another twist yesterday with the announcement by
the Premier League and Football Association of a fresh investigation into
the conduct of West Ham United.
In theory, it could mean that West Ham face further sanctions – beyond the
£5.5m fine imposed by the Premier League in its initial inquiry – such as a
points deduction, although the possibility of that happening are, according
to various sources, extremely remote.
The inquiry will centre on the comments made by Lord Griffiths, the former
judge who chaired an arbitration tribunal which ruled in favour of Sheffield
United, who are seeking compensation for their relegation from the Premier
League in 2007 during the time that Tevez played for West Ham. Griffiths,
effectively, levelled an accusation at West Ham's chief executive, Scott
Duxbury, that the Premier League and FA want to check. The key point to be
investigated is the evidence provided to the tribunal by the lawyer Graham
Shear, solicitor for Tevez's adviser, Kia Joorabchian.
Shear claimed that Duxbury had provided verbal assurances that the
third-party agreement still existed – in breach of league rules – even
though West ham had informed the Premier League that the deal had been
terminated.
Griffiths said in his findings: "If the Premier League had known what Mr
Duxbury for West Ham was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the
commission decision, we are confident that the Premier League would have
suspended Mr Tevez's registration as a West Ham player. We have no doubt
that those [Tevez's] services were worth at least three points to West Ham
over the season and were what made the difference between West Ham remaining
in the Premiership and being relegated at the end of the season."
Griffiths' comments caused astonishment at West Ham – and within the Premier
League – because there does not appear to be any documentary evidence to
back up the claim. Nevertheless, because of the strength of what he said the
two football bodies felt compelled to investigate further. Lawyers will now
interview Shear, Joorabchian, Duxbury, West Ham's former chairman Eggert
Magnusson and the finance director, Nick Igoe, as well as the Sheffield
United chairman, Kevin McCabe.
West Ham are understood to be confident that they can prove they have
committed no further wrong-doing and can provide the evidence to prevent any
more action being taken and that they have acted properly since tearing up
the third-party agreement.
Indeed, sources would point to the legal action taken by Joorabchian to
recover money from the club as an indication that they acted as they had
promised while there is astonishment that an indication that Tevez could
leave the club in the summer in some way represents being guilty of
interference. Indeed, players are told all the time that they can move on at
the appropriate time. Nevertheless, the investigation cannot be taken
lightly and there is the possibility that, if any evidence is found, that
individuals could face action.
In a statement, the two bodies said yesterday: "The joint inquiry will
examine whether the conduct of West Ham United immediately after the
independent disciplinary commission's decision of 27 April 2007 amounted to
further breaches of Premier League or Football Association rules."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: WEST HAM FACE POINTS DEDUCTION
Daily Express
Friday January 9,2009
By Bill Bradshaw Have your say(0)
West Ham face the prospect of a points deduction if a new probe into the
Carlos Tevez affair finds that they twice broke Premier League rules. The
announcement yesterday of a joint FA and Premier League inquiry into West
Ham's behaviour, after they were first fined a record £5.5million in April
2007, is a victory for the Daily Express's campaign into the affair. After
that fine – when many observers expected a points deduction – Tevez played
on for the club and played a key role in their successful battle to avoid
relegation. This came after West Ham promised the League they would end his
third-party control by the two companies who "owned" his commercial rights.
But it later emerged at an arbitration tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths,
that club chief executive Scott Duxbury had given "verbal assurances" to the
player's agent that the third-party agreements remained in place after the
pledge to the League to end them. Last year the Express produced documents
that proved the third parties had insured Tevez to play in those crucial
final games after the initial judgement and fine. The club said: "We have
nothing to hide."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Window Shopping: Ilunga takes up permanent residence at Upton Park
Friday, 9 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
West Ham will take up the option they have to buy the left-back Herita
Ilunga for just £1.5m at the end of the season. The 26-year-old is on loan
from the French club Toulouse and has been a major success at Upton Park,
where he replaced George McCartney after he was sold to Sunderland for £6m
during the summer. Ilunga is keen to secure a deal this month but West Ham
will wait until the campaign has been completed, although they do fully
intend to take up the option they negotiated at the time the season-long
loan was agreed. Under the terms of the deal, there is no risk of losing
Ilunga to a rival club. West Ham yesterday completed the £4m sale of the
winger Matthew Etherington to Stoke City while defender Calum Davenport was
at Bolton Wanderers with a view to a £3m move, which should be finalised
today. The club are also in negotiations to sell Luis Boa Morte to Hull City
for £2m as they aim to reduce their squad size and hold on to some of their
prize assets.
Jason Burt
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ghost of Tevez returns to haunt Hammers
The affair that won't go away threatens to make West Ham's parlous situation
even worse
Guardian.co.uk
It is the story that will not go away, no matter how desperately officials
in high places, particularly at West Ham United, want it to. The Carlos
Tevez affair was already grumbling in the background at Upton Park, and
adding to the club's financial woes, when it burst back on to centre stage
with a vengeance yesterday.
When the striker was announced as a transfer deadline-day signing in August
2006, together with his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, the ripples of
shock could be felt around the game. Nobody, however, could have predicted
the trail of mayhem that the deal would create. The trail is now burning
with scalding intensity and, as they tried to take stock, West Ham had every
reason to be extremely concerned.
The club is in a parlous financial position as it is. The owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is fighting the meltdown of his assets in Iceland – he is
thought to have lost £250m of his fortune – and has put West Ham on the
market to pay back the debts that have resulted from the collapse of
Landsbanki, in which he held a 41% stake. Creditors are breathing down his
neck and it is feared that he might have to sell West Ham quickly to raise
the capital to satisfy them. His aides deny this.
West Ham are fighting off the predators during this month's transfer window
and they also face a hefty compensation pay-out to Sheffield United,
possibly of more than £30m, from the Tevez saga. The decision by the
Football Association and Premier League to open a fresh inquiry into the
affair raised the prospect of the club being pressed further towards the
abyss.
Yesterday Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, sought to accentuate the
positives, most notably in relation to Craig Bellamy. The striker is the
subject of interest from Manchester City and Tottenham but Zola hopes his
bond with the Wales international will persuade Bellamy to stay at Upton
Park.
"I have not come across many players who speak more than Bellamy but I like
him," Zola said. "He tells you the truth all of the time. I know that he's
got good teams around him that are tempting him but we want him to stay with
us. I have a very good relationship with Craig, he's the perfect
professional. I hope that I'm giving him something that will feed his wish
to improve. I have some players I consider very important for the club and
the club knows that. We want to keep those players and Bellamy is one of
them."
Scott Parker, Matthew Upson and Robert Green make up Zola's untouchables but
West Ham's directors have even greater worries now that the FA and Premier
League have decided to peer back into Pandora's box. Those bodies have felt
a moral and legal compulsion to do so following the devastating findings of
Lord Griffiths' arbitration panel last year, which castigated West Ham for
their behaviour after the original independent inquiry into the affair,
chaired by Simon Bourne-Arton, had found against them in April 2007.
Griffiths, in simple terms, branded West Ham liars for what they did after
Bourne-Arton had fined them £5.5m and ordered them to rip up the illegal
third-party ownership arrangement that they had in place concerning Tevez.
Griffiths, who will rule in March on the compensation figure to be paid to
Sheffield United in what is a separate civil case, said that Scott Duxbury,
who is now West Ham's CEO, had promised to tear up the contentious agreement
but privately honour it with Kia Joorabchian, the businessman who
represented the third parties who owned Tevez. An appeal panel in 2007,
chaired by Sir Philip Otten, had grave reservations about West Ham's actions
but they found no errant points of laws upon which to overturn
Bourne-Arton's ruling.
Sheffield United fought on and pursued West Ham for monies lost in their
relegation from the Premier League in 2007 under the Football Association's
rule K. In Griffith's subsequent arbitration which, unlike Otton, could take
into account West Ham's behaviour immediately after the Bourne-Arton award,
he found in favour of Sheffield United. Lawyers for the FA and the Premier
League have since poured over Griffiths' findings and they will now consider
whether to bring further charges against West Ham.
The skies above the club's training ground yesterday were gloomy and a thin
mist further added to the foreboding. However, Zola is one of life's
optimists.
Happily for him, results have picked up – back-to-back wins in the Premier
League lifting the club to 10th position and the FA Cup victory over
Barnsley on Saturday making it three in a row. He is pruning his squad;
Matthew Etherington has joined Stoke City for £4m, Calum Davenport is
talking to Bolton Wanderers and Lee Bowyer has an offer from Birmingham
City. Zola hopes to keep his big names and it was just possible to discern
optimism. Then the ghost of Carlos Tevez could be heard to shriek.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
INQUIRY BLOW TO HAMMERS SALE HOPES
Posted 09/01/09 06:53
Footballl365
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's hopes of selling the club for a big
profit have suffered a fresh blow after the Premier League announced a new
investigation into the Carlos Tevez scandal. The Icelandic banker is looking
for buyers to ease his financial problems. But Thursday's announcement of a
new inquiry, to be conducted jointly by the Football Association and the
Premier League, is another blow following last year's defeat by Sheffield
United in an arbitration tribunal that leaves the Hammers facing a payout of
millions in compensation. The Hammers were fined £5.5million in 2007 for
breaching league rules over third-party agreements in signing Tevez, and the
new inquiry will focus on the club's dealings with his representatives after
the initial punishment. That means there is the threat of further sanctions
for the club. It follows the arbitration tribunal chaired by Lord Griffiths,
who ruled in favour of Sheffield United and pointed the finger at West Ham
chief executive Scott Duxbury. The key point to be investigated is the
evidence provided to the tribunal by lawyer Graham Shear, solicitor for
Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian. Shear said that Duxbury had provided verbal
assurances, or "oral cuddles", that the third-party agreement still existed
- despite the Hammers chief having informed the Premier League that the
agreement had been terminated. Griffiths said in his findings: "If the
Premier League had known what Mr Duxbury for West Ham was saying to Mr
Joorabchian's solicitor following the commission decision, we are confident
that the Premier League would have suspended Mr Tevez's registration as a
West Ham player. "We have no doubt that those [Tevez's] services were worth
at least three points to West Ham over the season and were what made the
difference between West Ham remaining in the Premiership and being relegated
at the end of the season."
The inquiry means West Ham or individuals could face further disciplinary
action but the club say they have nothing to hide from the new inquiry. Club
insiders acknowledged the need to investigate Griffiths' findings but say
they are convinced they can provide the evidence to prevent further
disciplinary action. A club statement said: "West Ham United will co-operate
fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League. "We have
acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations into
this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League
following the initial penalty. "We have nothing to hide and will ensure that
this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and Premier League."
The Blades are claiming up to £50million compensation from West Ham as a
result of winning the case, and the final figure will be decided by the
tribunal some time in the spring. West Ham have stood by Duxbury since the
arbitration tribunal and said his position is not under review.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier and FA order fresh Tevez probe
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 08 January 2009
By Danny Hall
The fallout from the Carlos Tevez affair continues to gather pace after the
Premier League and the Football Association today announced a fresh inquiry
into the Argentine's spell at West Ham United would be conducted.
Tevez, now of Manchester United, caused a storm of controversy when he
played a vital part in keeping The Hammers in the Premier League in 2007, at
the expense of Sheffield United.
Tevez's registration was subsequently called into question and United
successfully pursued legal action against their Upton Park counterparts.
The Premier League initially decided against deducting points on the basis
it would be 'unfair' against West Ham's supporters and players, after
Tevez's arrival in London was found to have contravened Premier League rules
on third party ownership.
The new investigation will look at whether changes to Tevez's contract were
made, which allowed him to play in West Ham's remaining matches and
ultimately keep them in the Premier League.
His goals, notably one at Old Trafford, condemned the Blades to Championship
football.
A joint statement said: "The Premier League and the FA are to institute a
joint inquiry into the views expressed by the Independent Arbitral Tribunal
chaired by Lord Griffiths in September 2008, which dealt with a compensation
claim by Sheffield United against West Ham United brought under FA Rules.
"The joint inquiry will examine whether the conduct of West Ham United
immediately after the Independent Disciplinary Commission's decision of 27
April 2007 amounted to further breaches of Premier League or FA Rules."
Tevez time-line:
August 31, 2006: West Ham pull off a major coup by signing Carlos Tevez
and his Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano, whose contracts were
previously held by Kia Joorabchian's MSI company.
January 31, 2007: Mascherano signs for Liverpool.
March 2: West Ham are charged by the Premier League for breaching their
rules in relation to the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.
April 4: A three-man panel is appointed by the Premier League to
investigate the signings of Tevez and Mascherano.
April 27: West Ham are fined GBP5.5million but spared a points deduction
after pleading guilty to breaking Premier League rules. The verdict also
rules ``the registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated by the FA
Premier League'' but Tevez is later cleared to play on for the Hammers.
May 13: Tevez scores the winning goal in 1-0 victory over Manchester
United which ensures West Ham avoid relegation.
May 15: FIFA say they will investigate Premier League ruling.
May 16: Sheffield United file ``arbitration proceedings'' against the
Premier League in a bid to overturn the decision not to deduct points
from West Ham.
May 22: The Premier League agree to set up an arbitration tribunal to
rule on Sheffield United's complaints over the affair.
June 2: Premier League chairmen agree a new rule forcing clubs to
disclose every document connected to player transfers to improve
``clarity''.
July 3: Sheffield United lose their legal challenge against the Premier
League after an arbitration panel dismiss their claim over the Tevez
affair.
July 4: The Blades investigate the possibility of a High Court appeal,
on the basis that the arbitration panel made an ``error in law'' in not
referring the Tevez case back to the original independent three-man
panel which fined West Ham in May.
July 6: Tevez agrees personal terms with Manchester United. The deal is
held up as the Premier League insist proceeds of the deal must go to
West Ham and not to Joorabchian or MSI.
July 11: West Ham reject an official request from Tevez to cancel his
contract with the club.
July 13: Following a private hearing at the High Court, Sheffield
United's attempt to gain leave to appeal the arbitration panel's
decision is refused.
July 18: Manchester United chief executive David Gill announces the club
will ask FIFA to arbitrate on the Carlos Tevez transfer.
July 24: FIFA recommend case to be referred to Court of Arbitration for
Sport after deciding not to become involved. However, Joorabchian opts
to issue High Court proceedings against West Ham.
August 1: Newspaper reports claim a document was produced in the High
Court showing West Ham agreed to Tevez's third-party ownership after the
Icelandic takeover, although the club question its authenticity.
August 3: West Ham confirm they have reached a GBP2million settlement with
Carlos Tevez's representatives which will allow the Argentinian to leave
the club for United.
August 10: Tevez is confirmed as a United player.
August 16: Sheffield United announce their intention to sue West Ham for
cost of relegation from Premier League. West Ham describe the action as
``desperate''.
September 23, 2008: An independent arbitration hearing rules in favour
of Sheffield United in their claim for compensation from West Ham.
January 8, 2009: The Premier League and the Football Association
announce they will launch a fresh inquiry into the conduct of West Ham
over the Carlos Tevez affair.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How will Sheffield United benefit from further West Ham punishment?
This is getting stupid. When it comes to the Football Association and
Premier League punishing West Ham for breaking rules on the third party
ownership of Carlos Tevez, the horse has not only bolted, he is halfway
across the country and wearing a different livery.
Telegraph
By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 7:46AM GMT 09 Jan 2009
The authorities' pursuit of West Ham is now pointless, because no points can
be deducted. Tevez has moved on. The 2006-07 season cannot be re-staged
(although it would make a blockbuster film with a cast of extraordinary
characters). All that remains is for West Ham to pay compensation to the
real victims, Sheffield United, who were relegated because of Tevez's
thoroughbred performances in claret and blue over the final furlongs of that
contentious race.
So Thursday's announcement of a joint investigation by the FA and the
Premier League into West Ham is, in Baldrick's parlance, a dead herring.
It's all about procedure but not all good governance makes good sense. The
only paperwork truly required is that compensation cheque sent to Bramall
Lane.
Everyone knows West Ham broke the rules to help them stay up but the Premier
League squandered the opportunity to discipline them properly when imposing
only a financial sanction on April 27, 2007, not the points deduction that
most sanguine football watchers expected.
Justice was belatedly done for Sheffield United when an independent tribunal
chaired by Lord Griffiths ruled in their favour last year. (This observer
gave evidence for Sheffield United on the importance of Tevez in the
relegation scrap following a match report in the Daily Telegraph headlined
"Talent of Tevez lifts West Ham to safety'').
After hearing evidence from many witnesses, Griffiths concluded that "we
have no doubt that [Tevez's] services were worth at least three points to
West Ham over the season and were what made the difference between West Ham
remaining in the Premiership and being relegated ''.
It should have been all over bar the negotiating over the level of
compensation. Unfortunately, the authorities now insist they are duty-bound
to interview all the old witnesses because Griffiths indicated there had
been an unwritten continuation of the third party agreement between West Ham
and Tevez's representative, Kia Joorabchian, after the original Premier
League sanction of April 27, 2007.
Griffiths' tribunal were clearly concerned about discussions between West
Ham's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, and Joorabchian's solicitor, Graham
Shear. The absence of phone records means the new investigation appears
destined for a cul de sac, a desperate waste of time and money.
This investigation helps no one. West Ham will be further paralysed by
uncertainty, making the club less appealing to would-be purchasers. The
inquiry certainly will not assist the West Ham manager, Gianfranco Zola, one
of football's good guys who may come under more pressure to offload players.
And will it really delight Sheffield United? Their chances of receiving
proper recompense may be compromised if Upton Park is engulfed by financial
turmoil.
West Ham should be left to focus on reaching a settlement with Sheffield
United and then all parties, even the third one, can get back to football.
West Ham can concentrate on staying up, while Sheffield United can try to
get back up.
The Premier League and FA might be better off channelling their energies
into examining what kind of character English football really wants in its
midst.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could new Carlos Tevez inquiry make West Ham the first big club to go under?
The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 9/01/2009
West Ham risk becoming the first Premier League club to go bust after the
Tevez Affair blew up AGAIN yesterday. The cash-strapped Hammers face being
hit by a massive fine or even a points deduction by a new inquiry opened
jointly by the FA and Premier League. The dramatic news comes as the Upton
Park club fight a £50m compensation claim from Sheffield United over the
scandal and Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson tries to sell the club
amid economic meltdown in his home country. West Ham were fined £5.5m in
April 2007 for breaches of Premier League rules over the registration of
playing Argentines Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. But the new probe
will investigate the Upton Park club's actions after this punishment. Tevez
was only allowed to play in the final three games of the season after West
Ham had assured the Premier League that the ownership agreements with two
third parties had been terminated. He scored in the final game at Manchester
United to keep the club up - and condemn Sheffield United to the
Championship. But an arbitration tribunal last September heard damning new
evidence from the lawyer of Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian, Graham Shear said
that there were verbal assurances from West Ham chief executive Scott
Duxbury that the third-party agreement remained in place even after the
£5.5m.
The new enquiry will now seek to establish whether West Ham knowingly
continued to commit the same breach of regulations after confessing their
initial guilt.
West Ham only escaped a points deduction in April 2007 because the end of
the season was so close and relegation would certainly have followed. Even
though another lengthy court battle is inevitable, a big points penalty
could see West Ham relegated and trigger financial meltdown at the club. A
huge fine would also endanger West Ham's future and trigger a sell-off of
its stars. West Ham insist there is no proof of any continuation of the
third-party agreement over Tevez, who was eventually sold to Manchester
United in the summer of 2007. A club statement said: "West Ham United will
co-operate fully with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier
League. "We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and
investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the
Premier League following the initial penalty. "We have nothing to hide and
will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and
Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola urges players to stay
Friday 09 Jan 2009
4thgame.com
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has appealed to his leading players
to remain at Upton Park for the sake of their careers. The cash-strapped
Hammers have been handed a further blow in the shape of a fresh inquiry into
their conduct during the Carlos Tevez affair. On Thursday, the Premier
League and the Football Association announced they will launch a fresh
inquiry which will centre around the Hammers' conduct after they had been
fined £5.5million for irregularities in Tevez's initial registration with
the club back in 2006. The Hammers have already confirmed they will consider
offers for any of their players in light of the reported financial
difficulties facing chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. But Zola hopes he can
still persuade the likes of Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker - both of whom
have been linked with Manchester City - to remain at Upton Park. Fellow key
players Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Dean Ashton have also been linked
with January transfer window departures. "I know the players have had big
offers but on the other hand we believe we are offering them the possibility
to improve, to get better and better," said the Italian coach. "Hopefully
our players will see that and consider it. "The club is determined to keep
the best players because we want to take the team to a better level.
"Sometimes you have to accept certain things but at the moment we are
determined to do this. "We want to keep our players. We have targets to
achieve and we know if we want to achieve them, then we have to keep our
best players. We hope we can keep them."
Meanwhile, Zola has admitted that both Calum Davenport and Lee Bowyer are
likely to follow Matthew Etherington out of the exit door. Etherington
joined Stoke City on Thursday, while Davenport is considering an offer from
Bolton Wanderers and former England midfielder Bowyer has been approached by
an unnamed club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Tevez Hell for Hammers
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today
WEST HAM face the possibility of a points deduction and another mammoth fine
after the FA AND Premier League re-opened investigations into the Carlos
Tevez affair. The Hammers board are stunned at the latest twist of events
that comes after they were fined a record £5.5million for breaking rules on
playing Tevez when he was not owned by the club. But the East Londoners feel
they are caught in the middle of a struggle between Lord Treisman at the FA
and the Premier League chief Peter Scudamore. The Premier League handed out
their massive punishment last season to West Ham, who could also have been
docked points when they broke strict rules on the third-party ownership of
players. The Hammers are already being strangled by the credit crunch with
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson caught in the middle of a financial mess. The
new investigation focuses on the club's dealings with Tevez's representative
Kia Joorabchian AFTER the initial punishment was dished out. Both the FA and
PL want clarification that Tevez remained West Ham's property until the end
of the season and was not part of any private agreement with Joorabchian.
West Ham stayed up in the 2006-2007 season when they bought Tevez, whose
goals helped put Hammers on a survival course while Sheffield United were
relegated. After an extensive High Court hearing which found in West Ham's
favour, the Hammers agreed to go to an independent arbitration tribunal
chaired by 85-year-old Lord Griffiths. He found in favour of the Blades and
also pointed the finger at West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury. The
Blades have lodged a compensation claim of up to £50m. West Ham insist they
have been open and co-operated fully with the last inquiry and will do so
again, making any relevant paperwork available and all club personnel
involved can be interviewed once more.
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Hull boss cools talks of Boa Morte shift
09.01.09 | Andrew Slevison
Hull City manager Phil Brown has played down talks of a potential deal with
West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte. Reports have suggested that the former
Portugal international had agreed to a deal with the Tigers but Brown has
quashed those rumours. "There has been no contact whatsoever with West
Ham," he said.
"Speculation will follow us throughout this month and Luis is just another
one of the supposed players that we are interested in. "As far as we are
concerned, there is nothing in it."
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Moon on West Ham's radar
09.01.09 | Andrew Slevison
Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon is reportedly a target for West Ham
United. The 22-year old South African international is interested in a move
to England and it is believed that Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola may give him
that opportunity.
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