Hammers hammered?

The pretty boy at the centre of it all

West Ham could be hit in the pocket for around £30m after fielding illegible players last season.

The Hammers stayed up at the expense of Sheffield United largely thanks to goals from Carlos Tevez.

West Ham had previously been fined £5.5m for breaching transfer rules over the contracts of Tevez and Javier Mascherano, it had thought the issue had been put to be bed but an unhappy Sheffield United sought monetary compensation.

The Blades chairman Kevin McCabe told the Beeb that his club had been successful at an independent tribunal.

‘I can confirm that both clubs have been notified of the ruling. The arbitration panel has awarded in our favour,’ said McCabe.

A club statement added: ‘The Blades began their legal fight for reinstatement some 16 months which also included an arbitration hearing against the Premier League.

‘This award could now pose a question as to what the Premier League will do.’

Insiders believe the compensation could be 'tens of millions' such is the financial gulf between the Championship and the Premier League.

With Sheffield United currently languishing in 15th in the Championship, the way back will be tough.

What price would the Hammers have put on Premier League survival?

They could be looking at paying out – big time.

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