CAS confirm West Ham appeal over Tevez affair

West Ham United have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the ongoing Carlos Tevez affair, the arbitration body confirmed on Wednesday.

The London club are facing a potential 30-million pounds (38.5 million euro) fine after an English Football Association (FA) tribunal ruled that Tevez had been ineligible to play in 2006 due to contractual irregularities.

That ruling favoured Sheffield United, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2006-07 season instead of West Ham, after Tevez helped the Hammers claw their way to safety.

“The CAS has initiated an arbitration procedure and will first examine its jurisdiction as a preliminary issue after both clubs have had the opportunity to file written submissions on this point,” a CAS statement read.

“For the moment, no decision has been made with respect to the holding of a hearing.” The statement added: “In any event, a decision on jurisdiction is not to be expected before the end of November 2008.”

Tevez scored the winner as the Hammers won at Manchester United on the final day of the season to complete their revival at the Sheffield’s expense.

In a statement last month, West Ham said it was unhappy at the FA’s decision and that it would be taking the case to CAS.

“While we respect the judgement of the FA arbitration panel, we do not accept that one player’s contribution can be placed over that of the team nor used as the basis for judging the results of a 38-game season,” it read.

Sheffield maintain they could have survived in the top flight had it not been for the Argentinian’s crucial contribution.

They are seeking the damages to cover lost television income, reduced player values and other losses incurred as a result of relegation.