Sheffield Players Threaten Legal Action Against West Ham
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Sheffield Players Seek Compensation From
West Ham Over Transfer Of Tevez (c) |
English Football League Championship club Sheffield United players last night said that they are "threatening legal action against" EPL club West Ham United for "loss of wages and bonuses" over the '06 transfer of F Carlos Tevez, according to Gary Jacob of the LONDON TIMES. About 20 Sheffield players who played for the club "at the time of their relegation two years ago" are seeking compensation totaling between US$5.6-7.0M. The move comes after West Ham "agreed to pay about" US$35M to the club in an "out-of-court settlement to end the wrangle." West Ham officials yesterday said that they have "not received a claim from the players, but they are confident of fighting off any actions." Jacob notes the "renewed uncertainty will have an impact on potential buyers for West Ham, who are [US$65.8M] in debt, because of concerns about the unknown liabilities." Meanwhile, the dispute "could take a further twist depending on the outcome of an investigation into West Ham" by England's Football Association and the EPL, as the governing bodies are "considering whether the club breached rules in assurances made to ensure that Tevez could play in the final three matches" of the '06-07 season. Jacob notes EPL clubs Wigan Athletic and Fulham also "have pledged to continue their fight for compensation after missing out on prize money that they would have received had West Ham finished below them" (LONDON TIMES, 3/17). West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury: "For everyone concerned the time was right to draw a line under this whole episode. We have had very positive discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs." Sheffield Chair Kevin McCabe, who "has steadfastly pursued the case," said, "We are happy and satisfied with the settlement with West Ham. Throughout the finalisation of the terms for the agreement, the discussions were friendly, cooperative and in the best of spirit" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 3/17).
OFFSIDES: Former Sheffield manager Neil Warnock believes that EPL CEO Richard Scudamore "should have lost his job over his handling of the issue." Warnock: "If it was any other club, Scudamore would have made sure the facts came out. I find it amazing that he has kept his job. If it had been a big club, the truth would have come out earlier and it would have been sorted." Meanwhile, in London, Steve Wilson reports a second EPL inquiry is "underway which could see further sanctions" against West Ham for "breaking rules regarding the third-party ownership of Tevez" and MF Javier Mascherano (London TELEGRAPH, 3/17).
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