West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35,595

Verdict pleases Magnusson

03 Jul 2007 - 15:41:15

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West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson is relieved that the controversy surrounding Carlos Tevez finally appears to be over.

Sheffield United had their appeal against the Hammers' punishment over the Tevez affair dismissed by an arbitration panel on Tuesday.

The Blades insisted West Ham should have been deducted points rather then be fined after being found guilty of including third-party agreements when they signed Tevez and Javier Mascherano last August.

The east London club were fined £5.5million in April and then went on to escape relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season when they won at Manchester United and Sheffield United lost at home to Wigan Athletic.

Magnusson told West Ham's official website: "We are happy that this matter is finally closed and all parties can now move on.

"The arbitration panel's decision is very clear and reflects what we have believed all along.

"West Ham United have been preparing for next season in the Premier League since the final whistle at Old Trafford in May and we will continue to do so.

"I would like to reiterate that Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham United player with a playing contract that still has three years remaining on it, and that situation remains unchanged."

Meanwhile, Sheffield United issued a statement regarding the verdict which read: "We are obviously very disappointed by this conclusion, in particular in circumstances where the tribunal recognised that the outcome of the decision turned out to be "unfortunate in the extreme," and that Sheffield United have done nothing wrong to merit this outcome.

"We are currently considering these findings with our professional advisers.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further until we have had the opportunity - properly - to consider the reasons the tribunal has given for its decision."