Pressure for Tevez appeal fades
Tevez has been instrumental in keeping West Ham up
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Tuesday, 15, May 2007 08:11
The Premier League will seek to draw a line under the Carlos Tevez affair today when chief executive Richard Scudamore writes to all club chairmen to explain the decision not to deduct points from West Ham.
A Premier League commission fined the Hammers £5.5 million last month for transfer irregularities surrounding the signing of Tevez and his Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano.
Sheffield United, who were relegated on Sunday, are leading calls for a legal challenge and have the backing of Charlton, Wigan and Fulham.
However, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, the most outspoken supporter of Sheffield United's cause, admitted last night that there was no chance of getting the original decision overturned or reviewed.
"We cannot reverse the decision the commission came out with," he said. "It is impossible."
Whelan urged Sheffield United to press on with legal action, with the focus now shifting to the steps West Ham took to ensure Tevez could continue to play after the commission's ruling.
The BBC is reporting this morning that the club have a letter terminating the third party arrangement they had with businessman Kia Joorabchian.
It is this agreement with a third party - and the fact that the previous owners misled the Premier League about its existence - that left West Ham in breach of the rules.
Eggert Magnusson, who took control of the club in November last year, accepted the commission's decision and will not be appealing.
Tevez was instrumental in keeping the Hammers in the Premiership, scoring four goals in the last five games including the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Despite becoming a firm favourite with the Upton Park crowd the Argentina star is expected to leave in the summer after struggling to settle in London, with La Liga his most likely destination.