Sheffield United have
stepped up their dispute with the Premier League by refusing to
relinquish the club's share in the League following their
controversial relegation.
The Blades are continuing to battle against the perceived injustice
of an independent commission's decision not to impose a points
deduction on West Ham despite irregularities in the signings of
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
United have already succeeded in convincing the Premier League to
establish an arbitration tribunal to address the ongoing dispute,
even if the League is adamant that at no point was Tevez ineligible
to play for The Hammers as he orchestrated their unlikely
survival.
Now the Yorkshire club have continued their protest at their
demotion by refusing to give up their share in the League, at least
until the arbitration panel rules on the Tevez controversy that is
threatening to seriously disrupt preparations for next
season.
"Sheffield United has confirmed that it has refused a request by
the Premier League to deliver up its share in the Premier League,"
read a statement on the club's official website.
"All Premier League clubs are entitled to a share in the League
itself, and Sheffield United's position is that until the
arbitration looking into the Tevez matter is resolved, it remains a
Premiership club.
"The club believes if it gives up its share the Premier League
cannot be guaranteed to fulfil its promise to return the share
should the arbitration reinstate Sheffield United to the Premier
League."
