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PREMIER LEAGUE: SHEFFIELD UNITED SET TO SUE WEST HAM FOR £30M August 16, 2007
(SomaliNet) In the latest development regarding transfer of Teves to Manchester United, Sheffield United are expected to sue West Ham United for damages amounting to the cost of relegation from the Premier League, at least £30 million, over the Carlos Tevez ownership affair.
Sheffield United lawyer Toby Craig told Sky that they would seek the losses resulting from relegation.
"After careful consideration and discussion with our legal advisors, Sheffield United are today initiating legal proceedings against West Ham United to seek substantial compensation for our relegation from the Premier League.
"West Ham have admitted to lying to the Premier League in order to secure the registration of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, which is also a breach of West Ham's contract with all members of the Premier League, including Sheffield United.
"This action is distinct from the arbitration proceedings between the club and the Premier League during the close season.
"We have always said that we will do everything in our power to secure justice for Sheffield United and help it restore integrity for the reputation of English football which has been tarnished by this affair.
"Sheffield United is confident that sufficient remedies exist in law to ensure the Tevez affair cannot simply be brushed under the carpet."
United have been unsuccessful in convincing the Premier League that the Hammers should have been sent to the Championship in their stead after breaking rules concerning third-party ownership with the Argentina stars.
They then took the matter to the High Court, but again found their efforts rebuffed. They believe that the authorities were lenient after finding West Ham guilty but only fining them - albeit a record £5.5m - and not deducting points.
To rub salt in the wound felt by the South Yorkshire club and its fans, Tevez went on to score at Old Trafford on the final day of the season to keep West Ham up at United's expense.
The Premier League is the world's richest, a fact enforced further by a huge television deal signed in the last months.-Eurosport