Hammers escape points deduction - fined £5.5m

  • by Matthew O'Greel & Gordon Thrower
  • Friday, 27th April 2007

West Ham United have been fined £5.5m for irregularities regarding the transfers of Javi Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.

However the club's slender hopes of avoiding relegation are still alive following the independent panel's decision not levy a points deduction.

The club were found guilty of entering into "agreements in relation to both these transfers that enabled third parties to acquire the ability materially to influence the club's policies and/or the performance of its teams" despite such deals apparently being commonplace throughout world football.

The club were also found guilty of failing to act in the "utmost good faith" over the deals.

Reports now suggest that the club pleaded guilty to the charges in an apparently successful attempt to reduce the penalties arising from the enquiry.

The Premier League have also been told that they have the power to terminate the contract of Carlos Tevez. The Premier League have suggested that, whilst they won't be terminating Tevez's contract, the situation regarding his registration will need to be resolved before he can play for the club again.

Results of the hearing

1. West Ham fined a total of £5.5m (which would have been £8m had the club not admitted its guilt).

2. £2.5m of this figure relates to a breach of Rule U18.

3. £3m of this figure relates to a breach of Rule B13.

4. The registration of Carlos Tevez can be terminated by the FAPL immediately.

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