Blades ready to sue over ‘unjust’ West Ham punishment

THE Premier League’s attempts to resolve the bitter dispute over West Ham have fallen on deaf ears with Sheffield United last night promising to sue if they are relegated and claiming the ruling threatens “anarchy” in the game.

The Blades are among four clubs considering legal action against the decision by an independent commission to fine West Ham £5.5m for contract irregularities over the signing of Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, rather than deduct points.

The Premier League have written to all 20 clubs claiming a legal challenge to the ruling being considered by Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton is “bound to fail”.

However, the Blades have issued a new threat that they will sue the Premier League if they are relegated.

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe said: “This is not so much a case of gaining recompense as protecting our position in the hope that the Premier League will reconsider their decision and appoint a new tribunal.

“The original ruling found West Ham guilty but the penalty given undermines the governance of the Premier League and invites anarchy. It is a snub to every club and their fans.

“It was an unjust penalty. We might as well all field illegal players every week. Here are West Ham still playing an international whose signing has breached the rules. It’s just not on.”

But Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore insisted the commission’s decision could not be challenged.

“The Premier League board is very confident that the rules of the Premier League have been adhered to in terms of how the commission was convened and how the whole issue was resolved,” he said at the Soccerex conference in London.

“As far as we are concerned that decision is final. The only people who can appeal against that are West Ham.’’ Scudamore also insisted that the disciplinary process had taken place in the quickest possible time.

West Ham yesterday announced they will not appeal against the fine.

Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: “I think it is now time to draw a line under this matter. The fine imposed on us was very significant but we accept that mistakes were made and it is now time to move on.”