West Ham have been hit with a huge fine by the Premier League
following the hearing into the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano, but have escaped a points deduction.
Click here to have your view on The Hammers' punishment
The Premier League opted to look into last summer's transfer of the
duo after doubts emerged over the ownership of the pair.
The case centred on the issue of third-party ownership of the two
players, who were signed from Corinthians, and also the club's
failure to disclose details of the deals.
A points penalty could have been imposed, but a Premier League
panel comprising of Simon Bourne-Arton QC, Lord Herman Ouseley and
David Dent opted to mete out a financial sanction.
The panel opted to hand down a £5.5million fine, but West Ham have
escaped a points deduction and can now focus on their battle to
avoid relegation from the Premiership.
West Ham issued a statement responding to the verdict on their
website, which read: "West Ham United Football Club was given an
opportunity to present its case and received a fair hearing.
"The club's submission that the contracts gave no actual influence
to any third party was accepted by the commission.
"The club has not been found guilty of fielding an unregistered
player and speculation about a likely points deduction has proved
to be unfounded.
"The club regrets the fact that they fell foul of the FA Premier
League regulations, but the new owners of the club now want to
focus on matters on the pitch and remaining in the
Premiership.
"The threat of a points deduction has now been removed and the
club's fate remains in its own hands.
"The club believes that promotion and relegation issues should be
decided on the pitch and we are pleased that the commission agree
with that view.
"The club will reflect on the financial penalty that has been
imposed and will take advice before commenting on the possibility
of an appeal or any further steps that might be taken."
West Ham face Wigan on Saturday and it remains to be seen if Tevez
travels to The JJB, as the hearing report also said 'the
registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated' by the Premier
League.
