Clubs could take legal action

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is considering taking legal action against either West Ham United or the Premier League following the furore surrounding the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Lawyers are looking into the findings of an independent panel that last week decided against docking the Hammers points, which would have surely cost them their top-flight status, but imposed a record £5.5 million fine

The east Londoners were found guilty of two charges of irregularities relating to the transfers of the Argentina duo and Whelan believes they should have been deducted ten points.

And the Latics chief has claimed that Wigan are not the only club considering their options: "There's six clubs involved and I know there are three at present receiving legal advice.

"To sue our own league doesn't sound right but whether to sue for damages is under consideration by half a dozen clubs. I would expect within a week we would find out what we are going to do."

With Watford already relegated, Wigan are fighting along with the Hammers, Charlton Athletic, Fulham and Sheffield United to avoid the remaining two relegation places.

It is understood that the Premier League is privately satisfied with the commission's final judgment and Whelan added: "The legal issue is being looked at by lawyers and QCs.

"Whether anything comes of it I cannot say because we are waiting for their advice. But the chairmen and chief executives of the clubs involved have spoken quite a lot about this these past few days, and two of the clubs are obtaining legal advice.

"We, as a club, have not gone to the lawyers. If it is recommended we can take action with some element of success - we won't just be chasing nothing - then we will support it.

"If the advice we are given is positive and we can sue either West Ham or the Premier League, then I'm sure that will happen."

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