Sheffield's arbitration due by end of month

Sheffield United will have to wait for an arbitration panel's verdict on their campaign to have West Ham United docked points for breaking transfer rules.

Sheffield United have challenged the verdict of an independent Premier League commission to fine West Ham, rather than dock them points, for breaking regulations when they signed Argentine pair Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez in August.

The three-man panel, meeting over two days in London, cannot itself relegate or deduct points from West Ham. But it can decide the original commission decision was flawed and order a new commission to consider the West Ham case all over again.

Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe told reporters yesterday: "It's been a very complicated case. The panel are going away to review the evidence and submissions.

"We've been told to expect a decision by the end of the month, hopefully sooner."