West Ham are to donate £500,000 from the £2million
settlement fee they received for Carlos Tevez to build mini-pitches
in London's East End.
The club say the money is the balance remaining after the legal
fees for the lengthy dispute have been paid.
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are going to donate
the money to the Football Foundation to build mini-pitches in the
East End.
"When you look back to when the player was signed there was no
transfer fee paid so we believe this is the best way to end the
whole saga.''
West Ham honorary life president Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the
Icelandic banker who provided the money for the takeover of the
club last year, added: "We know that our supporters invest a lot of
time and energy following West Ham United so passionately, and we
recognise the importance of being able to give something back to
the local community.''
Sir Robin Wales, mayor of the London Borough of Newham where the
pitches will be built, said he was proud of the club.
He said: "This is great news for the kids of Newham.
"I am delighted that the leaders of West Ham are once again showing
their commitment to our local communities.
"I am proud of the club and extend my personal thanks to Eggert
Magnusson and Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson for this investment.''
