Blades refuse to surrender Premier League share over Tevez row

AFP - 26 May 2007 15:46

Jonathan Stead, seen here in action in February 2007. Sheffield United have refused to give up their share in the Premier League as the Carlos Tevez controversy turns increasingly ugly.

SHEFFIELD, England (AFP) - Sheffield United have refused to give up their share in the Premier League as the Carlos Tevez controversy turns increasingly ugly.

United are furious that an independent commission decided to fine West Ham five million pounds rather than deduct points following the London club's failure to properly register Argentina duo Tevez and Javier Mascherano when they signed from Corinthians last August.

Mascherano later joined Liverpool, but Tevez played a key role as West Ham eventually stayed up on the last day of the season at the Blades' expense.

The Premier League has agreed to set up an arbitration tribunal to rule on United's complaints, but the Bramall Lane club are refusing to surrender their share in the league despite their relegation.

A statement on the club's website said: "Sheffield United has confirmed that it has refused a request by the Premier League to deliver up its share in the Premier League.

"All Premier League clubs are entitled to a share in the League itself, and Sheffield United's position is that until the arbitration looking into the Tevez matter is resolved, it remains a Premiership club.

"The club believes if it gives up its share the Premier League cannot be guaranteed to fulfil its promise to return the share should the arbitration reinstate Sheffield United to the Premier League."

However, the Premier League have warned United that if they don't back down the share will be taken from them anyway at the organisation's annual meeting next week.

"If Sheffield United do not return the share, Premier League rules mean that it will be unilaterally transferred to a promoted club and this will happen at our AGM this coming Thursday," said a Premier League spokesman.