West Ham decide against fine appeal

West Ham have revealed they will not appeal the record £5.5m fine imposed by the Premier League’s independent commission over the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

The Barclays Premiership side were hit with the massive penalty following a two-day hearing at the end of last month.

Controversially, however, the Hammers avoided a points deduction and have subsequently climbed out of the relegation places.

New chairman Eggert Magnusson, who was not involved in last summer’s signings, said in a statement: “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.

“Our intention as a club is to be totally focused on Sunday’s game (at Manchester United). We know that our fate, like every other club, will be decided, where it should be, on the pitch.”