West Ham and Blades end Tevez dispute

West Ham United and Sheffield United announced on Monday they had reached an out-of-court settlement over the contoversial Carlos Tevez affair.

In a joint statement, the agreement was described as “satisfactory settlement for compensation” but the figure paid by West Ham – which has been reported to be as high as 25million pounds – was not confirmed.

A statement from Sheffield chairman Kevin McCabe and West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said: “Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham to an end.

An independent tribunal which had been set up to look into the matter will thus be discontinued.

West Ham were fined 5.5 million pounds at the end of the 2006/07 season for breaching league rules on the ownership of players in fielding the Argentinian striker, but escaped a points deduction which could have resulted in the club being relegated.

An FA-appointed tribunal then 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.

Tevez, whose economic rights and transfer activities are owned by a group of investors called the Media Sports Investments (MSI), subsequently joined Manchester United and still plays at Old Trafford.

McCabe 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, co-operative and in the best of spirit with both the Blades and Hammers advisory teams.

“We are two clubs with a fantastic footballing history who now want to move on and focus on the business of playing football – hopefully for us against the Hammers in the Premier League next season.

“We look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with West Ham at all levels.”

Duxbury said: “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.”