West Ham Official Statement

This morning West Ham released the following official statement concerning Kia Joorabchian's accusations,

"West Ham United totally rejects the latest outburst and threats issued in the name of Kia Joorabchian in relation to the situation regarding Carlos Tevez.

We will not be drawn into this form of public mudslinging but these latest statements cannot go unanswered.

Mr Joorabchian entered into agreements with the previous regime at West Ham United at a time in which he was attempting to take over the Club. Those arrangements, since terminated by West Ham United, led the Club into serious disciplinary difficulties for which the Club has paid a heavy price.

It is absolutely clear that the only contract relating to Carlos Tevez recognised by West Ham United and the Premier League is the player's four-year contract which runs until June 2010. All other arrangements were terminated by West Ham on 27th April 2007 and no legal challenge to that termination has occurred.

West Ham United can also confirm that all documentation regarding the Club and Carlos Tevez has already been submitted to the Premier League and fully scrutinised by them. We have ensured full disclosure.

The Club has in recent weeks made every effort to keep Carlos Tevez at West Ham United and indeed offered significantly improved terms and conditions to the player, which were not accepted.

However, a transfer of a properly registered player cannot occur without agreement between two clubs and the Premier League.

Without such an agreement we believe that it is in the interest of all parties to resolve this issue as quickly as possible through the procedures laid down by FIFA.

Public threats and accusations are irrelevant, let FIFA decide and West Ham United will accept that judgement whatever the outcome. The time has come to settle this matter in a way which will allow everyone concerned to move on."