West Ham hit back in Tevez row
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson has responded angrily
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Thursday, 19, Jul 2007 12:36
West Ham United have released a strongly-worded statement categorically rejecting Kia Joorbachian's claims that they have behaved improperly in the Carlos Tevez transfer saga.
The Iranian businessman said yesterday that the Hammers had "consistently provided private assurances while at the same time making contrary statement to the public at large".
He also accused the club of "inconsistencies" and making "repeated promises and assurances which they have not acted upon or performed".
But the east London club have hit back at the owner of Media Sports Investments (MSI) – the controversial third-party involved in the proposed transfer of Tevez to Manchester United – dismissing his statement as "public mudslinging".
"West Ham United totally rejects the latest outburst and threats issued in the name of Kia Joorabchian in relation to the situation regarding Carlos Tevez," the Hammers' statement reads.
"We will not be drawn into this form of public mudslinging but these latest statements cannot go unanswered.
"Mr Joorabchian entered into agreements with the previous regime at West Ham United at a time in which he was attempting to take over the club. Those arrangements, since terminated by West Ham United, led the club into serious disciplinary difficulties for which the club has paid a heavy price [a £5.5 million fine from the Premier League].
"It is absolutely clear that the only contract relating to Carlos Tevez recognised by West Ham United and the Premier League is the player's four-year contract which runs until June 2010. All other arrangements were terminated by West Ham on April 27th 2007 and no legal challenge to that termination has occurred.
"West Ham United can also confirm that all documentation regarding the club and Carlos Tevez has already been submitted to the Premier League and fully scrutinised by them. We have ensured full disclosure.
"The club has in recent weeks made every effort to keep Carlos Tevez at West Ham United and indeed offered significantly improved terms and conditions to the player, which were not accepted."
After rejecting a new offer from the Hammers, Tevez was thought to be on the verge of a switch to Sir Alex Ferguson's United side to join the rest of his expensively assembled Old Trafford squad earlier this week.
However further complications have since emerged, leading all parties to agree to allow world football's governing body Fifa to intervene as an independent arbiter.
"A transfer of a properly registered player cannot occur without agreement between two clubs and the Premier League," the West Ham statement continued.
"Without such an agreement we believe that it is in the interest of all parties to resolve this issue as quickly as possible through the procedures laid down by Fifa.
"Public threats and accusations are irrelevant, let Fifa decide and West Ham United will accept that judgment whatever the outcome. The time has come to settle this matter in a way which will allow everyone concerned to move on."