LONDON (AFP) - Possible action against West Ham for fielding Argentinian Carlos Tevez in the FA Cup has been shelved till the end of an inquiry into player eligibility, the Football Association said.

Tevez played in the FA Cup third-round victory over Brighton, with the Hammers knocked out at the next stage of the competition by Watford.

Premier League officials are looking at whether the move to bring Tevez and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano to Upton Park breaches rules as clubs are not allowed to field players owned by a third party.

"We are awaiting the conclusion of the Premier League enquiry before looking at any possible implications in the FA Cup," said an FA spokesman, with FA Cup rules stating that players have to comply with the eligibility terms of their own league.

Bury were kicked out of the FA Cup this season for fielding an ineligible player but with West Ham already knocked out of this season´s competition, punishing the Premiership club if found guilty could prove problematic.