Sheffield United win compensation in Tevez case

An English FA arbitration panel has ruled in favour of Sheffield United's claim for compensation against West Ham United in the Carlos Tevez affair.

The Championship side said they were successful in the case, although the exact amount of compensation to be awarded has not yet been announced.

Club chairman Kevin McCabe has said in the past that relegation cost the Blades at least £50 million in lost revenues. A figure of £30 million compensation has been reported, but has not been confirmed.

However, McCabe told the club's website yesterday: "I can confirm that both clubs have been notified of the ruling. The arbitration panel has awarded in our favour.

"The matter is still legally in process so I do not wish to comment any further until we have completed that process."

United were relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the 2006-07 season, when West Ham beat Man. United 1-0 with a goal from Tevez and the Blades lost 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic.

The Yorkshire club appealed to the League claiming that Tevez, and his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano were ineligible to play for West Ham under league rules regarding third-party ownership.

The Premier League subsequently fined the Hammers a record £5.5 million for fielding the players during the season. Mascherano had little impact playing only five matches for the Hammers, but Tevez scored six goals in the last 10 matches to save them from relegation.

Sheffield United initially appealed to be re-instated to the Premier League but after that was rejected they pursued a financial settlement.