http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1010/1010760_tevez_premier_league_under_fire.html
HE Premier League have been accused of double standards after
threatening to block Carlos Tevez's proposed transfer from West Ham
to Manchester United.
League officials insist West Ham, who own the player's registration
but not his economic rights, must receive the majority of the
£30million-plus fee if the move is to be sanctioned.
But the Tevez camp have questioned why the Premier League did not
make the same demands when Javier Mascherano left West Ham for
Liverpool in January.
It is understood Mascherano signed the same deal at Liverpool - an
initial loan with a view to a permanent move - that United have
agreed for Tevez.
A source close to the situation said: "Why were the Premier League
not interested when Mascherano moved to Liverpool? It was exactly
the same deal.
"The Premier League scrutinised that transfer but did not insist on
West Ham receiving any of the money from that deal."
The Premier League, however, maintain the two situations are
different because the third-party agreement in Mascherano's West
Ham contract was ended when he moved on to Liverpool.
But in the case of Tevez, West Ham opted to keep the player and
unilaterally terminate the third-party clause in his contract
following an independent disciplinary commission hearing, allowing
the Argentina striker to play a key role in the Hammers' successful
fight against relegation.
A Premier League statement said: "Our position remains the same.
Any deal for the transfer of Carlos Tevez has to be struck directly
with West Ham United and we support West Ham United in asserting
their rights over their player."
West Ham responded to the Premier League's stance last night by
insisting that Tevez is under contract at Upton Park for three and
would not be leaving without the club's permission.
Given the decision West Ham took in April to terminate the
third-party agreement, they had no option but to make such an
announcement.
But that leaves Tevez's proposed transfer in turmoil. The player's
representatives are furious while United are frustrated the deal
has been delayed through no fault of their own.
"It is nonsense for West Ham to state they own the player," added
the source.
"If I lend you my car and you rip up the log book, that does not
mean you then own the car."
It is understood from sources close to the club that West Ham did
not pay any loan fee at all last summer when they signed Tevez and
Mascherano. The Hammers were only responsible for the players'
wages.
At the time the pair moved to West Ham, their representative Kia
Joorabchian was investigating the possibility of buying the
club.
