Struggling West Ham on Friday vowed to fight charges that they breached Premiership rules by signing Argentina stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano last year.
The charges, which relate to the part-ownership of the Argentinians by an investment company, have left the east London club facing a possible points deduction or, at least, a hefty fine.
The league's rules forbid the ownership of players by third parties who might be able to influence a club, and forward Tevez and midfielder Mascherano were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the company run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian who then became involved in a takeover attempt for the club.
After seeking legal advice West Ham say they can demonstrate that MSI's part-ownership of the players had no influence over the club because not only did then-manager Alan Pardew not pick the duo very often, but Joorabchian's takeover attempt also failed.
Statement
West Ham said in a statement: "In light of the legal advice received, the club will vigorously defend itself against the charges and provide a detailed response as requested by the Premier League within the time allowed."
The transfers were negotiated by the club's former chairman Terence Brown and managing director Paul Aldridge, both of whom have left since the takeover by current chairman Eggert Magnusson.
The other charge relates to allegedly failing to provide the correct documents to the Premier League though Aldridge has claimed he handed over all those he believed were necessary.
The charges had been expected by West Ham but the whole issue is the last thing the relegation-threatened club need at this time.
West Ham would certainly appeal against any points deduction and will claim they have acted in good faith ever since Magnusson took control in December.
The current chairman has admitted however that he would never have entered into the sort of transfer agreement that brought the players to Upton Park on transfer deadline day last August, and if the charges are proven then the club could take legal action against Brown and Aldridge.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely