Statement from West Ham United Football Club on the
Premier League Commission of Inquiry verdict...
West Ham United Football Club was given an opportunity to present
its case and received a fair hearing. The Club's submission
that the contracts gave no actual influence to any third party was
accepted by the commission.
The Club has not been found guilty of fielding an unregistered
player and speculation about a likely points deduction has proved
to be unfounded.
The Club regrets the fact that they fell foul of the FA Premier
League regulations, but the new owners of the club now want to
focus on matters on the pitch and remaining in the Premiership. The
threat of a points deduction has now been removed and the
Club's fate remains in its own hands.
The Club believes that promotion and relegation issues should be
decided on the pitch and we are pleased that the commission agree
with that view.
The Club will reflect on the financial penalty that has been
imposed and will take advice before commenting on the possibility
of an appeal or any further steps that might be taken.