New probe over Tevez affair

The English Football Association and the Premier League on Thursday announced a new investigation into the terms of Carlos Tevez’s employment by West Ham in the 2006/07 season, raising the possibility that the club could face further sanctions over the affair.

West Ham were fined 5.5 million pounds at the end of that season for breaching league rules on the ownership of players but escaped a points deduction which could have resulted in the club being relegated.

An FA-appointed tribunal has since ruled that the illegally-employed Tevez was instrumental in keeping West Ham in the Premier League, opening the door to Sheffield United, who were relegated on the final day of the season, to claim substantial compensation.

The new investigation is to re-examine evidence which the second tribunal concluded would have resulted in Tevez, now at Manchester United, being suspended from playing before the end of the 2006-07 season, which would have prevented him from playing a central role in helping the Hammers avoid relegation.

West Ham said in a statement that club officials would cooperate with the new inquiry.

“We have acted in good faith throughout the various inquiries and investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings given to the Premier League following the initial penalty,” a statement said.

“We have nothing to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to the FA and Premier League.”