Football gone Mad !!

bennythedip2 · #1 January 8th, 2009, 16:35

West Ham face the threat of further punishment over the Carlos Tevez affair after the Premier League and Football Association announced a fresh investigation into the scandal.

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.

It follows an 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 Blades have lodged a compensation claim of up to £50million.

The new investigation will be conducted by both the FA and the Premier League, who said in a statement: "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 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.

Griffith 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."

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.

Club insiders acknowledged the need to investigate Griffiths' findings but say they are convinced they can provide the evidence to prevent further disciplinary action.

And as no recordings of the relevant conversations appear to exist, it will be hard to prove exactly what was said between Duxbury and Shear.

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 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 their chief executive Duxbury since the arbitration tribunal and said his position is not under review.

No wonder the everyday bod has lost interest in the Premier League, this is another example of money rules the football fools

benny ...up the hammers

Part-Timer · #2 January 8th, 2009, 16:43

What I dont understand about all of this is, who owns Tevez? If it is still Joorabchians company how come he is playing for Man U now. Is he still not owned by "a third party", contrary to Premiership rules

bennythedip2 · #3 January 8th, 2009, 23:33

There by lays the question

........

tiredeyes · #4 January 9th, 2009, 00:21

Foul play by West Ham, Sheff Utd will win the £50million comp claim and West Ham become 1st premier team to fold.

Part-Timer · #5 January 9th, 2009, 08:06

I agree with some of the above, but didn't want to upset Benny

But how come Tevez is still playing

bennythedip2 · #6 January 9th, 2009, 15:59

Of course nothing will change, besides who's to say West Ham wouldn't have got the same result's with or without 'Tevez'

There's no proof one way or the other !!!

AND If Sheffield Utd were any good they would have got 3 points extra in their own games...not grizzle that they've been robbed

And what now, he's playing for ManUtd and there is still talk of a third party owner ..The Football League and FA are a JOKE and only themselves to blame for the mess !!!

Part-Timer · #7 January 9th, 2009, 16:15

We all know you support West Ham, and you will defend them to the hilt rightly so, but there are alot of people that believe, rightly or wrongly, that West Ham broke FA rules and should have been docked points. A few years before Middlesbrough had something like 14 players down with flu and didnt turn up to play Blackburn, I think. They forfieted the game and where then docked 3 points, which relegated them. They broke FA rules and the FA set the precedent.

Tony2005 · #8 January 9th, 2009, 16:24

Had beaten Wigan at home on the last day of the season and stayed up then i dont think we would even be reading this.....

What about the other bloke...Mascarano wasnt he sold mid season to Liverpool and was also from the same management company as Tevez...?

That was his third move within a year.....something that the FA says they dont allow...

Nothing has been said about that but as usual if its Man Utd or Liverpool everyone turns a blind eye....

The FA are at fault for lettting all these things happen...Not West Ham...

Also Tevez is still only ON LOAN at Man united.....

bennythedip2 · #9 January 9th, 2009, 19:27

Whatever the outcome, the FA and FL will come out of this with egg on their face AGAIN ..but remember this

Sir Trevor Brooking and " The Old Boys Network "

Up The Hammers

Part-Timer · #10 January 9th, 2009, 22:47

That is what all "neutrals" believe, that is why this continues to rumble on