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Originally Posted by LFC1892
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A lot of pundits are expressing boredom at this long drawn out saga. I'm really enjoying it. It'll be really interesting to see how it pans out.
ManU have been negotiating the transfer directly with Jia Koorabchian, which seems to indicate that the FA rule about third parties being able to directly interfere with a football club's ownership of a player was, and continues to be breached, by West Ham.
Now this is why they were fined. The reason they were not docked points, and the reason that Tevez was allowed to play in the last few crucial games at the end of the season. was that the Premier League were 'satisfied' that such ability did not exist after West Ham unilaterally 'tore up' the contract between themselves and Joorabchian.
I never really understood this. One signatory to a contract can't just tear it up and make it null and void. It requires all signatories, and I couldn't see Joorabchian just foregoing his claim on a very lucrative player. So I fail to see what West Ham could have done to satisfy the Premier League that this third party binding no longer existed, particularly now as it seems to entirely exist.
The Premier League's insistence that West Ham are the sole owners of Tevez' contract, and transfers can only be negotiated with them, with all proceeds flowing to them, seems to be entirely misguided. As one pundit wrote today "ManU seem to be operating in the real world, while the Premier League are insisting on a fantasy version of events".
My guess is the following transpire: ManU will complete the signing of Tevez through Joorabchian with Joorabchian getting a bundle of cash in return (pending personal legal difficulties notwithstanding). West Ham get bupkiss. Premier League are forced to admit that they got it massively wrong in allowing Tevez to play those last few games, as he was, indeed, tied to a third party external to West Ham in breach of their rules.
If they told West Ham they were satisfied, and Tevez could play, it would seem unfair to punish West Ham for that. Can't really punish ManU or Tevez or Joorabchian, as they've done nothing wrong. The fall of the blame has to land on the head of the Premier League. Massive incompetence, stupidity and blind arrogance. Resignations all round would be appropriate.
(Hopefully the new guy would instantly dismiss Steve MacLaren as England manager.)