West Ham look to move on

Chairman Eggert Magnusson wants West Ham United to put the Carlos Tevez affair behind them and build for next season.

Any doubts over the Hammers' top-flight status were finally laid to rest after an arbitration panel dismissed Sheffield United's challenge to the outcome of the Premier League's independent disciplinary commission in April.

West Ham escaped with a record £5.5 million fine rather than a points deduction after being found to have breached league rules over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano last August. And Tevez was allowed to play on and score vital goals to keep the east Londoners up.

Magnusson, whose regime was not in charge at Upton Park at the time the Argentina duo were signed, said: "We are happy that the matter is finally closed and all parties can now move on.

"The arbitration panel's decision is very clear and reflects what we have believed all along. West Ham United have been preparing for next season in the Premier League since the final whistle at Old Trafford in May and we will continue to do so.

"I would like to reiterate that Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham player with a playing contract that still has three years remaining on it and that situation remains unchanged."

The three-man tribunal dismissed Sheffield United's claim for a new disciplinary commission to rule on West Ham, adding that the original decision to fine the Hammers could not be judged "perverse or irrational".

The Blades, who seem set to miss out on a £50 million windfall as they adjust to life back in the Championship, also lost another claim - made jointly with Fulham - that the Premier League should have forced West Ham to de-register Tevez before the crucial last three matches of the season.

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