FIFA asked to rule on Tevez
18 Jul 2007 - 12:22:55
Manchester United chief executive David Gill remains confident that the club will eventually sign Carlos Tevez after confirming that he has asked FIFA to resolve the matter.
West Ham United have refused to allow the Argentina international to have a medical at Old Trafford as they insist they have not received an offer for the player from last season's Premier League champions.
The Hammers are adamant that they hold Tevez's registration and that he is contracted to them for another three years.
However, Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian maintains that his company, Media Sports Investments, own the economic rights to the player, and that they have already agreed personal terms with Manchester United.
Gill said: "There have been a lot of discussions with the Premier League, West Ham and Maurice Watkins over the last few days.
"The player and West Ham will take the case to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber.
"We're very confident, as is the player, that the situation will be resolved in favour of Tevez. He will then be free to achieve his, and our, wish to join United.
"It may take a short period but, based on what we've seen and the discussions we've had over the last few weeks, we're very confident this will be resolved and that he will be a major part of Sir Alex's squad this season."
Talks between Manchester United lawyer Maurice Watkins and Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson at the Premier League's offices in London on Tuesday ended in stalemate with no agreement reached over the 23-year-old's future.
A West Ham spokesman said: "Meetings have taken place between the two clubs, but no agreement has been reached in relation to Carlos Tevez."