Blades launch legal action
Sheffield United have begun arbitration proceedings against the
Premier League as a result of the Carlos Tevez transfer
controversy, with plc chairman Kevin McCabe now proposing that
England's top flight comprises 21 teams next season.
Following relegation, The Blades are bitterly angry at the failure
to penalise West Ham with a points deduction despite being found
guilty of irregularities in the August signings of Tevez and former
Hammer Javier Mascherano.
A so-called 'Gang of Four' - comprising The Blades, Charlton, Wigan
and Fulham - have been canvassing support from their fellow clubs
and The Blades have also written to MPs in a bid to generate
support for their cause.
McCabe served arbitration procedure notice on the Premier League on
Wednesday to continue the crusade against the perceived injustice,
and has again threatened further legal action if the league fails
to accept his letter.
However, the Blades plc chairman has also proposed a scenario
whereby Sheffield United would be reinstated to the league without
West Ham being demoted, resulting in the Premiership housing 21
teams next season.
"We are still working towards debating matters with the Premier
League, we want to undo the wrong and the injustice of the
decision," McCabe told the club's official website.
"The events off the field of play have culminated in our
arbitration procedures.
"We have written to every MP, explaining the background of the
injustice and that it needs to be satisfied for the good of the
sport.
"First and foremost we're doing everything to protect the interests
of United.
"Will the Premier League accept our arbitration letters? Litigation
can be pursued and, if it has to be pursued, we'll do it.
"It is up to the FA Premier League to find a way round this
exceptional circumstance where a club which has played by the rules
has been relegated at the expense of one club who have fielded
ineligible players.
"The simple answer is why not have 21 clubs in the Premiership next
season and relegate four of them at the end. It is not my decision
to make but it seems like a very simple solution."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has indicated that the disaffected clubs
will seek to prove that West Ham's re-registration of Tevez outside
the transfer window - and following the independent commission's
findings - was illegal.
However, the Premier League looks unlikely to bow to McCabe's
attempts to establish an arbitration panel, with a spokesman
underlining the league's belief that no laws have been broken in
the controversial row.
"We followed our processes to the letter and we ensured to our
satisfaction that the third party arrangements in relation to
Carlos Tevez's contract have been terminated," said a Premier
League spokesman.
"We are more than happy to meet with officials of Sheffield United
or any other aggrieved club to offer clarification and explanation
of this and we have written to all 20 clubs with a forensic
explanation of the ruling."
Fifa has already pledged to investigate the row which is
threatening to drag the relegation issue out over the summer.
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